Desktop Research

When to use it

It is never a bad idea to have a look at the latest trends, innovations and news from across different sectors. Use this tool to gain fresh perspective and inspiration in the wider environment or context of your challenge.

What’s the purpose

Looking around us for fresh perspective can give us inspiration and switch us on to what might be possible, and the impact of potential solutions. Start with your existing market research and competitors then think of unrelated industries, favorite products/services, tech/innovation media, voice of the customer data or Start-ups.

How to do it

Look at the sources provided in the template as inspiration to get you started.
In step two, outline your research topic (one per template), what you aim to achieve (your goal), what approach you will take and what source your are using.
Now, in step three, write up your findings, focusing on the top three things that you learned during the process of your one topic research.
- Begin with presenting the most surprising discoveries. Write a summary of your research findings.
- Continue with trend/opportunity areas to explore. What are the interesting elements to take forward?
- Then, present challenge areas.
- Finally, add visuals such as data or photos to reinforce your research. Quotes are powerful too to illustrate and back up your findings.
Finally, in step four, write down any thoughts that you gained by digging deeper into why things might be happening and what this tells you about people or the situation you are observing: start your question with What if...
Do not hesitate to start a new 'Desktop Research template' until you have produced as many as planned research topics you have to explore.

Helpful tips

Explore how organizations you find especially effective or innovative might approach your challenge, as well as competitors, are up to.
Consider situations that share common characteristics with your focus area, as stimulus.
Don't get lost in too much detail. We're looking for inspiration, not deep analysis here.

Using this method in your day-to-day work

When you’re looking for inspiration, this template helps guide you through the process to find it. Even just desktop research can provide loads of fresh stimulus to get you started. Go to one of the links provided in the template, search for a topic related to your research challenge and follow the magic thread of the internet to gather everything you need to spark your thinking.