Inconvenient Insights: The Researcher's Role is to Stay Curious
Summary
Key Insights
-
•
More data does not automatically mean better research or better insights.
-
•
The Data-Information-Knowledge-Wisdom pyramid highlights that data is raw, while knowledge requires human context and interpretation.
-
•
Knowledge is constructed through human intervention and cannot be generated by algorithms alone.
-
•
Researchers should evolve from executors of discrete studies to omnipresent collaborators and sense makers.
-
•
Viewing cancellations as a nuanced signal rather than a purely negative metric can reveal opportunities for customer retention.
-
•
Managing research calendars holistically across teams improves transparency, collaboration, and shared learning.
-
•
Turning data points and metrics into stories via journey mapping enables teams to better prioritize and understand root causes.
-
•
Insights become more actionable and impactful when co-owned by those responsible for implementing changes.
-
•
Incorporating recurring, consistent questions in research helps track strategic themes over time.
-
•
Nurturing an insights-driven culture requires researchers to be change agents who break down silos and align around customer value.
Notable Quotes
"We are drowning in an endless sea of data yet we are stuck in an insight desert."
"Just using that language is a reframe: is cancellation and skipping the problem, or is retention the opportunity?"
"It’s those value propositions that need to be decoded at the human level and then coded back into the data, not vice versa."
"Researchers are uniquely positioned to be sense makers for the business; we connect the dots between data, knowledge, and wisdom."
"The pyramid feels inverted when data is more convenient, available, and fragmented than ever."
"There’s no good or bad data, there’s how you use it and how you come together to create shared understanding."
"Averages are an enemy; segmenting reveals the true nature of customer intent and sentiment."
"We need to think of research not just as discrete studies but as a continuous engagement with learning agendas."
"Metrics become lagging indicators, consequences of what’s happening upstream in the customer experience."
"Deserts bloom; insights can emerge even in data-saturated environments if we nurture the right culture."
Or choose a question:
More Videos
"An elite athlete doesn’t turn up at the Olympics and do their thing without coaches, physios, nutritionists."
Dr. Karl JeffriesThe Science of Creativity for DesignOps
January 8, 2024
"Show them, don’t tell them — involving stakeholders early builds skin in the game and helps control quality."
Amy MarquezINVEST: Discussion
June 15, 2018
"Breaking enterprise into small segments lets you apply research methods effectively at scale."
Steve Portigal Chris Chapo Kelly Goto Christian RohrerDiscussion
May 13, 2015
"We covered critical design gaps without waiting for headcount allocation or hiring delays."
Alicia MootyDesign Staffing Models
September 30, 2021
"We may not have tech prowess but our sticky notes, card sorts, and test reports are our real superpowers."
Ana Maria Montero Barrantes Aditi Dhar Michelle Kaplan Nate Osborne Matt LaurenceThe Authentic UX Talent Show
January 8, 2024
"Operations tends to be something companies only think about when they are scaling rapidly, but investing early is essential."
Lada Gorlenko Sharbani Dhar Sébastien Malo Rob Mitzel Ivana Ng Michal Anne RogondinoTheme 1: Discussion
January 8, 2024
"Choosing a research repository is a big battle in your organization; the right decisions can really help you succeed."
Sofia QuinteroThe Product Philosophy Behind EnjoyHQ
March 10, 2021
"Innovation is very much a team sport."
Laura KleinUnique challenges of innovation in enterprises
April 23, 2020
"Data analysts and user researchers rarely work together effectively, which is one of the biggest missed opportunities."
Andrew MichaelBuilding a Product Insights Team
March 10, 2022
