How to Do Better Design Research with Jill Bohaboy | S3E02

Designing in the Wild · 30 Sept 2026 · 58m · Episode 2

What this episode covers

Jill Bohaboy, founder of Trek Solutions, joins Rob to discuss the craft of design research, emphasizing that meaningful insights come from observation and qualitative methods rather than just asking people what they want. They explore specific techniques such as 'build-it' sessions, shop-alongs, and breaking down products like diapers to understand compensating behaviors and latent needs. Bohaboy argues that researchers can conduct effective, low-budget studies by simply observing consumers in their natural environments and asking open-ended questions to avoid bias. The conversation highlights how these methods help uncover the 'why' behind user actions, turning research into a launch pad for innovation rather than a roadblock.

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