Our research methods
Solving complex new media problems: We specialize in developing answers to complex new media questions. We are well known for our ability to go beyond data analysis to provide unique and creative strategic insights. Our methods focus on discovering the aspects that create an empowering, industry-leading user experience that will drive business profit from new media platforms. A summary of the methods that we apply to new media projects are described below.
User engagement optimization
There is a prevailing opinion that user engagement is too unstructured to be defined in formal business and research terms.
This is not accurate. While creating actionable insights into what actually drives user engagement requires new forms of research,
it is also true that user experience optimization is an important aspect of developing robust business models in the new media landscape.
We employ a wide range of advanced research and data modeling methods to deliver tactical and strategic recommendations in this critical
new media problem space. The success of your new media business will depend on understanding and optimizing user engagement.
Cross-platform user modeling
Development of successful cross-platform business models and revenue streams requires new ways of thinking about how cross-channel
propagation impacts your customers' total experience. The most effective way to create powerful and profitable cross-platform media
distribution systems is by applying cognitive modeling and user testing techniques to these new user experiences. We have conducted
research in partnership with the world's largest traditional research agencies focused on understanding the impact cross platform migration
has on the customers engagement with brand, advertising and media franchises. We have developed advanced research and development methods
for creating, simulating, and testing cross-platform user experience solutions that drive interactive brand and product development. These
methods drive strategic planning for new media properties.
Industry trends analysis
Traditional management consulting firms have made trends analysis the centerpiece of their service offerings. Leading technology
consulting groups produce hundreds of reports annually based on research that is increasingly missing the mark. What good is industry
trends analysis if it ignores the obvious importance of the user experience in defining and predicting the future of new media business
models. We start and end all industry trends analysis with a focus on defining how user engagement drives industry expansion or contraction.
Function allocation analysis
The development of new media products and services that build user engagement and profitability are fundamentally function allocation
problems. What does this mean? Function allocation analysis is an examination of the features and functions of a given system followed
by a critical mapping of those features to the combination of software control vs control by the customer. The concept of function allocation
is central to development of user experiences that produce deep levels of user engagement and winning new media business solutions. We help
clients navigate this complex road to the future.
Have a specific new media research need?: With more than 30 years of industry experience, we probably have run across your problem before. If we can't help, chances are good we know who can. Call us at 212-249-3683 ext. 105.
Our specialized research applications
Mass media
Traditional mass media is no longer. The future of media like print, TV, and radio is now based on how the content and
benefits from these old media channels are combined to build user engagement across new media platforms. Mass media has
ceased to be a one way distribution model and has become a method for binding customers to media properties and to other
like-minded media consuming groups. Today, there are a totally new set of dynamics at play in the mass media landscape.
We have conducted research in partnership with the world's largest traditional research agencies focused on providing
insights into these vexing mass media challenges. This experience defines how we approach problems and provide strategic
new media insights in the mass media space.
Gaming and virtual reality
It is curious that gaming as a framework for user engagement with technology-based systems has produced some the most
powerful and engaging user experiences. Yet, rarely are insights from interactive gaming brought to the larger world of
new media integration strategy. We have extensive research experience mapping game-play attributes to non-gaming user experiences.
This experience allows us to provide strategic recommendations on exactly how and when to employ game-play attributes in
traditional user experience solutions.
Financial services
No other industry can benefit more from the application of new media strategy than financial services. Whether you are
involved with the design of the world's next virtual trading floor or creation of a new home banking application, we can
provide insights and strategic planning that will help ensure success for your product or service. New media strategy must
be a critical component of any FS system in planning or under development. We have worked with the world's largest and most
successful financial service firms and have provided new media strategy to the highest levels of management.
Complex data display
The issue with new media applications is that the core problem is no longer data generation or capture but data visualization.
Every business with a new media application can benefit from the use of advanced data visualization innovations. We have many years of
experience with complex data display in business critical applications. Our strategic and tactical recommendations have formed the
centerpiece of patents for leading technology companies and start-ups. We thrive on solving complex data presentation problems.
Decision making optimization
Complex decision making in the new media landscape is a contact sport. Careers are advanced and lost in a single conference
call or negotiation. We offer clients extensive due-diligence analysis with respect to user engagement and product adoption
strategies. These recommendations are based on highly structured research and professional experience spanning more than 30
years working for the world's best corporations and start-ups.
