Toolbox

Design Thinking for Insights Professionals

Taking us through the Design Thinking process step by step using a real-life example, author Jani de Kock explores both the principles and theory behind Design Thinking, and practical tools & methods for running a successful Design Thinking project. […]

Toolbox

FUELING CREATIVITY WITH INSIGHTS: How Advertising Agencies Best Collaborate with Qualitative Researchers

Consumer insights are the most critical building blocks of effective advertising—and the key people behind those insights are often qualitative researchers. Kathleen Kindle, Group Strategy Director at Saatchi & Saatchi, delves into why advertising agencies rely heavily on qualitative insights and what advertising strategists and creatives need from qualitative researchers. […]

Schools of Thought

How Consumers and Things “Co-Do”: Listening to the Language of Objects

Semiotics highlights the vitality of objects as active contributors, challenging conventional views that prioritize individual decision-making. Author Sónia Marques advocates for recognizing the agency of things and emphasizes the need to observe their role in situ, urging researchers to adeptly engage with the language of objects for a comprehensive understanding of human behavior. […]

Toolbox

DIY Infographics: Transforming Insights with Visual Storytelling

The most effective research tells a compelling story. It has been said that writing less requires more thought and strategy than writing more—so it’s no wonder many of us struggle to create infographics. Researcher Joe Hopper can relate—and in this article, he shares his approach of eight principles for creating thoughtful and compelling DIY infographics that can enhance qualitative storytelling. […]

Industry Focus

That Was Then, This Is Now: How Financial Services Product Research Has Evolved in the Past Quarter Century

Mike Carlon takes us back in time to show how product development research in financial services has evolved from solution-focused to customer-focused. Today’s clients are using more agile, iterative explorations, conducted with far less money and time. The article details the essential methods and skills qualitative researchers need to be successful in financial services product research. […]

color photo headshot of Professor Batja Mesquita in front of a large bookshelf
Luminaries

Professor Batja Mesquita on Culture’s Role in Shaping Emotions and Accounting for Them in Research

Zoë Billington speaks with Professor Batja Mesquita, a pioneer of cultural psychology, about how culture shapes emotion, and how emotions act as powerful tools in relationships. After reading, you may be compelled to rethink if, when, and how to ask participants the very important question, “how did you feel about that?” …and even add on “and what did you do about that?” and “and how did you respond to how that made you feel?” […]