Three MR Trends to be Thankful for...

1. A growing understanding that “big data” needs a human touch. The pendulum is swinging back to embrace the value of custom, primary research to make “big data” more relevant and actionable.  The value of “big data” is only enhanced when placed in the hands of an experienced researcher to sort, analyze and assemble numbers into meaningful stories.
2. A greater variety of tools for improving respondent engagement and enhancing our ability to capture authentic, relevant insights. I am excited about new question types that optimize mobile surveys, easier ways to collect and analyze video, tools that capture consumers' subconscious thoughts and more engaging platforms for online qualitative.
3. An interest in and acceptance of more graphic storytelling methods. Freed from the confines of traditional reporting styles, the research results can be shared more widely with a variety of stakeholders who are often more concerned with the “so what” than how it was done. 

It’s an exciting time to be in Marketing Research and I am very thankful to all my clients, friends and colleagues in the industry. Each day brings new challenges and for that I am grateful.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!