Process

At Funderstanding, we have developed a well-defined process to assure the value and validity of our data and findings. Here's how it works.

Target

Before we start any observation we set the objectives and methods. We inform this process by reviewing the research of others, as well as doing quick primary research in the form of Focus Groups, Surveys, Interviews, and preliminary reconnaissance.

Observe

Observation always takes place in a natural context. It is most often done by videotaping but can also involve still photography, field notes and even having the subject do a self-documentation study.

Organize

Materials are labeled and logged into our proprietary database program. A time-code track that can be read by the database is laid down on the videotape. Field notes are entered and photographs are scanned into the database. This allows us to cross-reference the observation to our findings.

Harvest

This iterative cycle is the key that allows us to see patterns and derive crucial insights. This process is made possible by our database program that allows us a multitude of ways to classify and categorize many disparate pieces of data. It is through this grouping and regrouping of the data that our insights are refined.

Documenting/Logging

All raw data are reviewed and observations are entered into the database. As the videotape is reviewed specific segments are logged into the database. This process includes creating the topics, keywords, frameworks, and collections by which the observations are classified and categorized.

Interpreting

This is the process of understanding and refining the logs made during documentation. Multiple sorts are made on the database, Classifiers and categories are refined. Data is reclassified and recategorized. We start to generate hypotheses and models and refine them in further iterations.

Documenting/Interpreting

All insights and interpretations are documented so they are constantly before us as we continue with the process.

Review

The main researchers review the process among themselves and colleagues. We tell each other stories and test our theories to see if they hold water. We determine if further raw data needs to be obtained. We determine whether we should continue the Harvest or if we are ready to report our findings.

Report

Findings are documented in writing in a standard research report format. The report will contain any additional research, primary and secondary, that was part of the overall research process. The story is also told with a compilation video made from the raw data. These videos are extremely powerful and convincing as they allow everyone to see what the researchers saw.