Design Research Collective

Data is important, but it's only half the story. Insight is what turns data into something actionable. What do you think of the cartoon? Can AI replace human insight?

In our results-driven world, we often fall into the trap of thinking we already know the answers. But sometimes, what’s holding us back isn’t the complexity of the problem—it’s our assumptions and preconceptions. When we approach challenges with a 𝗕𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿’𝘀 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱, we set aside our ego and open ourselves up to new perspectives. Here’s why that matters: 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗵 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲: A beginner isn’t burdened by biases and constraints, but rather open to possibility and new information. They ask the “obvious” questions others might overlook—often leading to breakthrough insights. 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗯𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 “𝗪𝗛𝗬”: When you’re curious, you’re constantly learning. This curiosity allows you to explore solutions outside of the usual playbook. 𝗡𝗼 𝗪𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗻𝘀𝘄𝗲𝗿𝘀: Beginners are less afraid to make mistakes. This freedom helps uncover creative solutions that an expert mind—focused on avoiding failure—might miss. What methods have you tried to set your expertise aside and approach a problem with a true beginners mind? #leadership #problemSolving #beginnersmind

One practice we find essential in all brainstorm or ideation sessions is asking collaborators to include a simple drawing with their idea. Why? Even a simple visual representation will: 1. Clarify the Concept: Sometimes words alone can be misleading. A quick sketch can bridge that gap and ensure that everyone is on the same page. 2. Stimulate Creativity: Drawing encourages participants to think outside the box. It’s a low-pressure way to express ideas and can spark new angles and perspectives. 3. Make the Idea Sticky: It’s important to be able to come back to an idea a few days, weeks or even a month later. A simple sketch can go a long way. 4. Boost Engagement: Adding a creative element like drawing makes the session more dynamic and interactive, and who doesn’t want to have a little bit of fun in their work day? Next time - grab a Sharpie and show people what you’re talking about!

#HereWeGo

Understanding your customer need is just the start. Walking away with an actionable toolkit guiding you forward is key to making great change. Let us guide your team with an actionable toolkit for change. At Design Research Collective, along with being practitioners of the work, we train teams to work with a human-centered design mindset. 3-hour and Custom trainings are available for booking this fall.

Don't take it from us...listen to what clients are saying about Design Research Collective: "DRC has a secret sauce that somehow unlocks deep learnings from our customers, engages a variety of leaders within our company, and ultimately delivers clear insights and potential actions for our team. And their immersion with our customer shows through in their clear and impactful storytelling." -Insights & Innovation Leader

#beautifulmistakes

When tackling problems, it is important to always “do something based on what you heard or what you saw...and then be open to being wrong.” - Seijen Takamura Dive deeper into this and more on the latest episode of Coffee Talk with Design Research Collective.

We'll say it again...we mean business. Certified Minnesota Woman-owned Small Business that is. #smallbusinessstrong #womanowned #minnesotasmallbusiness