Summary
Jen, the curator of the Advancing Research Community, begins the last day of the event by recounting a British folk story called the hope of the Hind, which symbolizes finding hope through small, renewing moments amid crisis. This story serves to frame the day's themes of collaboration, perseverance, and incremental progress in research practices. She then introduces a lineup of speakers who will push boundaries in how research is done within organizations. Jill advocates for transcending traditional data silos to create a holistic understanding of customers and organizational wisdom. Jennifer follows with a practical example of ecosystem mapping to unify disparate data sources. Cora and Rachel emphasize the underestimated value of secondary research and provide actionable tips for integrating it effectively. Muncie emphasizes inclusivity by combining primary and secondary insights, specifically for designing with women in mind. Harry and RS explore the complexities of democratizing insights, questioning accountability, and whether the concept of democratization itself needs reconsideration. Finally, Victor challenges the foundational definitions of data, urging an evolution towards pluralistic and expanded views of what counts as data. Jen closes by inviting attendees to reflect on transforming their research craft through these new perspectives and approaches.
Key Insights
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Small moments of hope and stillness can renew energy and inspire collective action during research challenges.
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Breaking down silos within and across teams is critical to gaining a holistic and truthful understanding of customers.
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Ecosystem mapping allows the practical joining of diverse data sources to create richer insights.
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Secondary research is undervalued but can significantly enhance depth and context when integrated with primary data.
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Combining primary and secondary insights supports stronger inclusivity in design, especially for underrepresented groups.
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Democratization of insight and data raises questions about responsibility and may need to be reconsidered rather than universally adopted.
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Insight democratization has both pros and cons that organizations should carefully weigh.
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Data definitions should be challenged and expanded to embrace pluralistic and diverse perspectives within organizations.
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Incremental progress and community collaboration are effective strategies for overcoming seemingly impossible research challenges.
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Research craft transformation requires stepping back to question foundational assumptions about data and insight workflows.
Notable Quotes
"This encounter with this Hind doesn’t radically change anything on its own, but it gives a small moment of hope and stillness."
"Inch by inch, that village was able to come together as one and find a way through to the other side."
"We all have to break down silos within and across different teams to look holistically at what we know about customers."
"Ecosystem mapping is a practical way to join up different data sources."
"Secondary research deserves significantly stronger consideration than it often gets."
"Bringing together primary and secondary knowledge creates powerful insights, especially for designing inclusively for women."
"Who is responsible for insight and data within an organization? That question is central to democratization."
"We may need to move beyond the concept of democratization altogether."
"We must challenge and push ourselves on what data even means in a plural system."
"Transforming our craft demands we take a step back and ask what it really means to evolve our approach to research."
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