Here are just a few of the reasons...See the many endorsements from colleagues, clients and former managers in my LinkedIn profile.
You pay only for the expert-level help you need.
- You hire Don Rickert Research & Design on an “as needed” basis, getting only the high level of User Experience, Consumer Research and Design expertise WHEN YOU NEED IT.
Expertise, grounded in formal training but embellished by many years “in-the-field”
- Knowledge, wisdom and insights not easily found in textbooks
- Don Rickert has established several businesses
- Many years’ experience as both a consultant and as an in-house User Experience/Consumer Insights Director
- Earned Doctorate (Ph.D. from The George Washington University, School of Business)
- Professional Member of the IDSA (Industrial Designers Society of America) note: Professional Membership of the IDSA is an earned designation more or less equivalent to a license…not merely paying dues to the organization
Actual Experience in Conducting Ethnographic Studies
Ethnography has become such a "must-have" buzz word, that it is difficult to find a firm that does not claim to do ethnography. Many other firms actually have done ethnography-like observational studies as well as more substantial true Ethnography, and so have we (click here to download a summary of some of the Ethnographic studies we have conducted and the ACTIONABLE INSIGHTS from each) (more details...) (even more details...)
Expert skill and understanding of how to connect with consumers and end-users
- Includes the innate and well-practiced ability to gain trust and access to many “closed” groups in order to learn more about their unmet needs, their desires and what is appealing to them at an emotional level (more details...).
High level of expertise but non-threatening—this is very important.
- Don Rickert Research & Design has a well-established track record of cooperation and collegiality with in-house teams.
- Don Rickert cares passionately about ensuring the best possible user experience, and this passion rubs off on those who work with him.
Experience with different types of products in a variety of domains
- Interactive systems and websites, online client-server applications as well as physical products.
- Everything from groceries to neurosurgery (more details...)
Qualitative, Quantitative and Hybrid (aspects of Qualitative and Quantitative research)
- One of the rare firms that can do qualitative research (such as focus groups and interviews) as well as quantitative (questionnaire design, statistical analysis, etc.)
Usability
Note: We will be happy to provide examples of various types of Usability Evaluation reports, highlights videos, etc. to serious potential clients.
- Don Rickert Research & Design really understands the different types of Usability Assessment and the appropriate application and analysis of each (more details...)
- We have the equipment to set up a usability laboratory just about anywhere and even to conduct usability tests remotely over the Internet.
Extensive Colleague Network
- Some things are simply outside of our skill set. In such cases, we usually can recommend the appropriate expert from a well-cultivated and extensive network.
Ability to distill and synthesize discoveries learned from observing and listening to consumers and end-users into relevant insights about what it all means for the product
- The goal of everything that Don Rickert Research & Design does is to provide Actionable Insights that are 100% relevant to the product development project.
Ability to “see the big picture” and communicate this vision effectively
Creativity
- Don Rickert is well-known for his creativity and original thinking and bringing out those sometimes hidden skills in others.
