Research is a vital source of innovation for any team that wants to create value, solve problems, and stay ahead of the competition. But how can you foster a research culture in your team and motivate them to use research effectively? Here are some tips to help you.
Before you start any research project, make sure you and your team have a clear understanding of why you are doing it, what you want to achieve, and how you will measure the results. This will help you align your research goals with your team's vision and strategy, and avoid wasting time and resources on irrelevant or redundant questions. You can use tools like SMART goals, research questions, and hypotheses to define the purpose and scope of your research.
Clearly articulate the goals and objectives of the research. Define the scope to ensure that the team understands the specific areas to be explored. Establishing a clear purpose provides direction for innovative thinking.
Depending on the type and stage of your research, you may need to use different methods and tools to collect, analyze, and communicate your data. For example, you may use surveys, interviews, or observations to gather qualitative insights, or experiments, tests, or analytics to generate quantitative evidence. You may also use software, platforms, or frameworks to help you organize, visualize, or share your findings. You should choose the methods and tools that suit your research objectives, budget, and timeline, and that your team can use confidently and efficiently.
Select appropriate research methods and tools that align with the objectives of your innovation efforts. This could include surveys, interviews, data analysis, or emerging technologies. Ensure that the chosen methods are suited to uncovering insights relevant to innovation.
Research is not a solo activity, but a collaborative one that requires the input and feedback of your team and other stakeholders. You should involve your team and stakeholders in every stage of your research process, from planning and conducting to analyzing and reporting. This will help you build trust and engagement, leverage diverse perspectives and skills, and ensure that your research is relevant and actionable. You can use techniques like brainstorming, co-creation, or workshops to involve your team and stakeholders in your research.
Get your team and maybe even your users involved in the process. Their ideas can be like puzzle pieces that, when put together, create a complete picture. For example, if your team consists of designers, developers, and marketers, they each bring unique perspectives to the table.
One of the most important aspects of research is how you communicate your findings and recommendations to your team and other audiences. You should present your research in a clear, concise, and compelling way that highlights the key insights, implications, and opportunities for innovation. You should also tailor your communication style and format to the needs and preferences of your audience, whether it is a report, a presentation, or a dashboard. You can use storytelling, visualization, or storytelling to communicate your research.
?? No matter the audience, make sure to adhere to principles of truthfulness and research integrity. For example: A single, striking statistic may catch attention but should always be mentioned with a comparator. “A lonely number always makes me suspicious that I will misinterpret it. A number that I have compared and divided can, instead, fill me with hope.” — Hans Rosling, “Factfulness”
Share what you've discovered with your team in a way everyone can understand. If your research shows users struggle with a certain feature, suggest changes and explain how it will make things better.
The ultimate goal of research is to create solutions that address the challenges or opportunities that you identified. You should implement your solutions in a systematic and iterative way, using feedback loops, prototypes, or pilots to test and refine them. You should also evaluate your solutions using relevant metrics and indicators to measure their impact and effectiveness. You can use frameworks like Lean Startup, Design Thinking, or Agile to implement and evaluate your solutions.
Put your ideas into action. If you decided to redesign that tricky feature, make the changes and see if users find it easier. Pay attention to what works and what doesn't, and be ready to adjust.
Finally, you should celebrate and learn from your research, regardless of the outcome. You should recognize and appreciate the efforts and contributions of your team and stakeholders, and share your successes and challenges with them. You should also reflect on your research process and results, and identify what worked well and what can be improved. You can use methods like retrospectives, debriefs, or case studies to celebrate and learn from your research.
If your changes make a positive impact, celebrate the success with your team. If something doesn't go as planned, don't see it as a failure but as a chance to learn. For instance, if users love the new feature, have a small celebration. If they don't, talk about what you can improve.
Learn and keep improving your research method and findings over again as technology keeps improving over time. These will ensure that current challenges are catered for and emerging trends fully inculcated