Feb 15th, 2018 – The Buy-In Struggle

The Buy-In Struggle

Research can be a lot like Kevin McCAllister from the movie, Home Alone. Kevin was a child that simply existed. His parents and family recognized his presence and place within their family. He was considered a bit of a nuisance. He was left behind, on several occasions, but was always resourceful. He made the best of what he was given and carved his own way to recognition. He kept his focus on the emotional and physical aspect of his home and protected it in the family’s absence.
Point for point, research seems to face similar challenges and you can check out here to know more about it in detail. How can it be a meaningful and valuable member of the family? Many situations prevent buy-in, confusing the value that research represents. Research can be considered a burden, being perceived as “more work”. How can this perception be stopped? As always, in any discussion, there are two sides to the story. If we as a discipline want more inclusion, then we must clearly communicate how we expect others to
change, but additionally, be willing to change ourselves.
Meena Kothandaraman will lead a discussion on strategies for increasing research activity buy-in. She will use a scenario-based approach to discuss the role of the business, and where shortcomings exist. She will also discuss
the role of the researcher, and where the discipline focused on human insights and human-centeredness must “up its game”.

Guest Speaker

Meena Kothandaraman
Customer Experience Strategist, twig+fish

Meena Kothandaraman bio picture

With 25 years of experience, Meena has consulted to emphasize the strategic value of qualitative research in the design of any experience. Meena is fascinated by the complexity of human behavior, and applies a credible and structured approach to integrating human stories and anecdotes into mainstream processes. Qualitative research serves as a key vehicle for bringing human stories into a business and additionally serves as a foundation for internal discussions and directions about product design.

Meena is a founding member of twig+fish, a research and strategy practice based in Boston, MA, that espouses these research beliefs, while maintaining a utopic work-life balance. She has also been a key contributor to the Bentley University Human Factors and Information Design (HFID) graduate program in her 15-year tenure. 

Thanks to our host this month!

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Jupiter Hall, where communities experience arts, culture and innovation. Located at 89 Hanover Street, Manchester, NH 03101 Jupiter Hall is Manchester’s newest arts and culture space.

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Time and Location

6:00 – 6:30 Networking and refreshments

6:30 – 7:30 Presentation

7:30 – 8:00 Networking

Jupiter Hall
89 Hanover St, Manchester, NH 03101
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