How can you communicate design research findings effectively to stakeholders from different cultures?

1 Know your audience

Before you start preparing your design research deliverables, you need to know who your audience is and what they expect from you. Research the cultural background, values, and communication styles of your stakeholders. For example, some cultures may prefer direct and factual information, while others may appreciate more context and storytelling. Some cultures may favor high-level summaries, while others may want to see detailed data and evidence. Some cultures may respond well to visual aids, while others may prefer verbal explanations. Knowing your audience will help you tailor your design research findings to their needs and preferences.

2 Use clear and simple language

Avoid using jargon, slang, idioms, or acronyms that may confuse or alienate your stakeholders from different cultures. Use clear and simple language that is easy to understand and translate. Explain any technical terms or concepts that are specific to your design research field or project. If possible, use examples or analogies that are familiar or relevant to your audience. If you are presenting or writing in a language that is not your native one, or that is not the native one of your audience, check your grammar, spelling, and pronunciation carefully. You may also consider using a professional translator or interpreter if needed.

3 Choose appropriate formats and media

Depending on the type and purpose of your design research deliverables, you may choose different formats and media to communicate your findings and insights. For example, you may use reports, presentations, posters, videos, podcasts, infographics, dashboards, or prototypes. Whatever format or media you choose, make sure it is suitable for your audience and the message you want to convey. For example, if you want to share a complex or nuanced insight, you may use a video or a podcast to tell a compelling story. If you want to show a simple or straightforward finding, you may use a poster or an infographic to highlight the key point. If you want to demonstrate a solution or a concept, you may use a prototype or a dashboard to show the functionality and value.

4 Provide context and rationale

When you communicate your design research findings and insights, you need to provide context and rationale for your audience. Context means explaining the background, scope, and objectives of your design research project. Rationale means explaining the methods, sources, and criteria you used to collect, analyze, and interpret your data. Providing context and rationale will help your audience understand how you arrived at your findings and insights, and how they relate to the problem or opportunity you are addressing. It will also help you establish credibility and trust with your stakeholders from different cultures.

5 Highlight implications and recommendations

One of the most important aspects of communicating design research findings and insights is highlighting the implications and recommendations for your audience. Implications mean explaining the meaning and significance of your findings and insights for the project or the organization. Recommendations mean suggesting actions or directions based on your findings and insights. Highlighting implications and recommendations will help your audience see the value and relevance of your design research, and how it can inform or influence their decisions or actions. It will also help you engage and motivate your stakeholders from different cultures to collaborate or support your project.

6 Seek feedback and dialogue

Finally, communicating design research findings and insights is not a one-way process. You need to seek feedback and dialogue with your audience to ensure that they understand and appreciate your design research, and that you address any questions or concerns they may have. Feedback and dialogue mean inviting and listening to the opinions, perspectives, and suggestions of your stakeholders from different cultures. It also means acknowledging and respecting the differences and similarities among your audience, and finding common ground or solutions. Seeking feedback and dialogue will help you improve your design research communication, and build rapport and relationships with your stakeholders from different cultures.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?