Summary
What is “impact” in the context of research? Should we strive for influencing product decisions or shifting organizational thinking? Is it measurable or qualitative? And what does it take to achieve it? Join our expert panel as they share their unique perspectives on defining and achieving research impact, offering illuminating examples from their own experiences. Don't miss this lively, thoughtful discussion that transcends traditional metrics and explores the profound ways in which research can make a lasting difference.
Key Insights
-
•
Success as a researcher ties closely to relationship building within the organization.
-
•
Understanding and navigating the organization's culture is crucial for influence.
-
•
Research advocacy should be seen as an integral part of the research process.
-
•
Research impact can exist without direct outcomes, reflected in shifts in organizational thinking.
-
•
Building coalitions and networks can facilitate greater adoption of research findings.
-
•
Personal connections can sometimes outweigh research correctness when it comes to impact.
-
•
Adapting storytelling techniques and communication methods increases the likelihood of gaining traction.
-
•
Participation and collaboration with stakeholders lead to mutual ownership of research outcomes.
-
•
Researchers need to articulate their findings in a language the organization understands to enhance relevance.
-
•
Measurable impact may include changes in dialogue about the problem, rather than just direct outcomes.
Notable Quotes
"I've never experienced difficulty influencing my organization's strategies."
"Learning to navigate the organization and building relationships is key to demonstrating influence."
"You can't be good at research unless you're also good at getting that research across."
"Impact has nothing to do with research skills."
"Sometimes, it's about having a good relationship with a decision-maker rather than just research abilities."
"We need to shift the way people think about our customers and the problems we address."
"It can take years before leadership starts to talk and think in a different way."
"You have to give stakeholders a sense of ownership for your research to land successfully."
"The way you tell the story of your research is critical to gaining traction."
"Impact is about helping individuals grow and advance in their careers."
More Videos
"Be prepared for change; change is imminent."
Jacqui FreyFlow and Superfluidity for Design Orgs
November 7, 2018
"To foster engagement, using emojis and gifs can add the tone and body language that are often missed in text."
Laura Gatewood Laine ProkayBeyond Buzzwords: Adding Heart to Effective Slack Communication
September 23, 2024
"Research can help you identify meaningful metrics."
Johanna KollmannInsights-Driven Product Strategy: Get your Research to Count
December 6, 2022
"Take advantage of our sponsor sessions because they are really high quality and free."
Bria AlexanderDay 3 Welcome
September 25, 2024
"A great design solution for a poorly defined problem is infinitely worse than an average solution applied to a well-defined problem."
Billy CarlsonIdeation tips for Product Managers
December 6, 2022
"The most underutilized asset in a retail environment is the store employees themselves."
Catherine DubutBridging Physical and Digital Spaces: Approaches to Retail Service Design
March 18, 2021
"At Salesforce, our values are at the core of what we do."
Kim Holt Emma Wylds Pearl Koppenhaver Maisee XiongA Salesforce Panel Discussion on Values-Driven DesignOps
September 8, 2022
"The best practitioners see a biased view of their community's ability."
Adrian HowardSturgeon’s Biases
September 25, 2024
"It's important to assume positive intent."
Asia HoePartnering with Product: A Journey from Junior to Senior Design
November 29, 2023
