Standardizing store-testing research practices
Background
The testing unit sought to upgrade their research methods for validating and scaling R&D breakthroughs faster.
In order to determine which innovations will stick, extensive and intensive field research was required.
Client's Team
We partnered with a beverage giant's R&D team to tackle service scaling, test emerging food tech, and train store staff nationwide in field research protocols.
Our Team
Our team of Institute of Design students conducted research, benchmarked industry innovation, and crafted strategy in lockstep with the client.
Store staff need clear protocols and training in research methods to effectively validate innovations in the field.
Store staff must grasp when and how to deploy research tools for optimal field results.
Research staff need to master design research methods, tools, and frameworks.
Staff lacked structured research processes, leading to inconsistent data analysis and knowledge gaps.
Despite diverse talents, staff struggled with inconsistent research methods and unclear protocols.
Mixed skill levels led to inconsistent research.
Scattered workforce and varied experience made research methods unreliable.
The absence of research guidelines further limited effective use of available tools and frameworks.
The testing unit aimed to become a learning hub for elevating research and innovation standards.
We aimed to enhance research practices and streamline training to deliver better insights across all skill levels.
With mastery of research tools, all staff can conduct field studies confidently.
A unified framework was needed to strengthen peer learning and improve data quality.
Solution
Research Select, our streamlined toolkit, bridges research gaps by enhancing field learning and insights.
Our toolkit empowers untrained research staff with structured frameworks for effective research and better insights.
We partnered with the client to create Research Select, aligning research tools with objectives through frameworks.
I crafted Research Select's visual design in Figma, with frameworks shaped by qualitative and online research.
The toolkit enables staff to choose optimal methods confidently, ensuring consistent data.
Research Select helps staff pick the right research methods quickly, boosting efficiency.
Research staff can now pinpoint and apply optimal methods for each study's objectives.
Staff now gather higher-quality insights by aligning research methods precisely with project needs.
The flexible toolkit future-proofs research by adapting to evolving project needs.
The structured toolkit enables the testing unit to grow and adapt their research methods over time.
We created 18 guided research activities, building a foundation that grows with future demands, accessible to all skill levels.
The toolkit’s modular architecture allows for the integration and personalization of new tools and frameworks.
Impact
Weekly leadership sessions now refine our toolkit based on nationwide store feedback, making it central to testing operations.
The toolkit drives research innovation through continuous peer learning.
Research shifted from roundtables to focused design groups, sharpening qualitative insights.
The testing unit builds on this success by refining focus group methods, deepening research excellence.
“[The] toolkit transformed testing into a strategic, data-driven process, empowering over 15 partners and shaping 20 tests and counting. More than just a set of tools, it sparked a cultural shift—teams now ask critical ‘why’ questions, identify gaps, and adopt more effective research methods.”
Sarah R.
Director of Store-Testing Operations
Process
14-Week Research Plan
We crafted a research toolkit to transform the testing unit's operations.
Weeks 1-5
Interviews
Research with staff and industry leaders revealed a gap: untrained teams lack human-centered design skills, limiting customer insights.
Week 6
Prototype
I mapped research inputs and outputs to create a streamlined process flow, helping users quickly select the right activities.
Weeks 10-11
Presentation & Facilitation
Through prototype testing and facilitation at headquarters, we gathered feedback and secured buy-in from the Store Testing Unit.
Roadmap
Our toolkit evolves through continuous field use and feedback, creating a self-improving research system.
Continuous field feedback refines both tools and user experience.
I built 18 guided frameworks, 5 method overviews, real-world examples, and choice-making tools to streamline research.
The toolkit grows smarter through researcher feedback, continuously improving to serve both novice and expert users.
We mapped the organization's innovation ecosystem to identify opportunities for growth.
We analyzed internal workflows and external partnerships to map key innovation factors.
We dissected the client's organizational structure to pinpoint crucial innovation drivers.
Our foundational analysis sparked targeted innovation hypotheses.
Defining a roadmap for our client's research education
We created a plan for achieving comprehensive and time-relevant HCD research education.
Now
Goal:
Ensure consistent human-centered design research for all staff.
- Tactile
- Immediate Use
- Accessible
- Collaborative
Solution:
Research Select Toolkit
1-3 yrs
Goal:
Strengthening the present staff capabilities for research excellence.
- Expanding HCD learnings to all non-trained employees.
- Expand the number of testing stores with increased capability
Solution:
Platform development and launch
3-5 yrs
Goal:
Expand & enhance staff education & capability for research, launch strategic IT processes & gather data for future AI-driven tools.
- Iterating processes & workflows
- Data collection for AI tools
Solution:
Improve platform utility with AI tools
5+ yrs
Goal:
Inclusive Innovation: Launching AI Tools for Global Impact.
- Scale impact using AI
- Build a global learning culture
Solution:
Build platform as an AI engine to stay time, culture and tech relevant to research practices for global impact