Enabling Research Findings [studio+lecture]

and other things we never talk about...
hosted by Formation Design Group with Steve Portigal

In product development circles there has always been a lively discussion on how to best transform product concepts into new goods and services. Conversely, there is precious little dialog about translating research findings into product concepts. The murky time between research and the beginning of synthesis is one of the most critical parts of any development process. Join guest speaker Steve Portigal and members of Formation’s Industrial Design team for a presentation and discussion highlighting this critical but often overlooked part of the development process.

Based on a process used in Portigal Consulting client engagements, Steve’s presentation will emphasize strengthening the creative link between "data" and "action." One of the most persistent factors limiting the impact of user research in business is that projects often stop with a cataloging of findings and implications rather than generating opportunities that directly enable the findings. As designers become increasingly involved in using contextual research to inform their design work, they may find themselves holding onto a trove of raw data but with little awareness of how to turn it into design. How can designers and researchers work with user research data to create new things for business to do?

About Steve
Steve Portigal is the founder of Portigal Consulting, a bite-sized San Francisco firm that brings together user research, design and business strategy. Portigal Consulting helps clients to discover and act on new insights about themselves and their customers. Steve is a frequent speaker at design and marketing events and writes for interactions, Core77 and the Portigal Consulting blog, All This ChittahChattah. He is an avid photographer who has a Museum of Foreign Grocery Products in his home.

Event details:

Date: Monday, April 12, 2010
Time: 6:30-9:00pm EDT
Location: Formation Design Group
555 Dutch Valley Rd NE - Atlanta, GA. 30324
Cost: Free (Light refreshments will be served)
Please RSVP: Please let us know if you will be attending rsvp@formationdesign.com


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"Thirsty Thursday"

making its return - March 18, 2010
hosted by IDSA Atlanta at The Bookhouse Pub

Join your fellow Atlanta IDSA professionals for a happy hour of design discussion, networking and, of course, a pint or two. Design with Impact will be a central theme to our events over the coming year. We'll discuss as it relates to how we can build an effective design community in Atlanta and the surrounding areas.

Have any news to share? Share it over a pint!
Want some project feedback? Get it over a pint!
Need to step away from the office? Step away over...
ah, you get the point.

Event details:
Date: Thursday, March 18, 2010
Location: The Bookhouse Pub
736 Ponce De Leon Avenue NE
Atlanta, GA 30306 [map]

Appetizers are on us