Stephanie Jones, NPD Manager at Additional Lengths, brings a wealth of experience to the discussion on agility in research. As both a manufacturer and retailer of hair extensions, her team’s processes require constant adaptability. In this interview, Stephanie shares actionable insights on making research more agile and impactful, drawn from her role and experiences.
For Stephanie, agility isn’t just about quick turnarounds—it’s about embedding consumer insights throughout the entire R&D process. She stresses the importance of identifying where additional information or insight can strengthen product development, advocating for a holistic approach that aligns all stages of the process. Without clear objectives and focused alignment, she warns, research risks producing vague outcomes.
Key takeaways on agility
- Define clear goals: Upfront alignment is essential to ensure focused, actionable research
- Embed insights across the process: Agility means integrating consumer input at every stage of R&D
- Balance speed and clarity: Rushing without clear objectives can lead to suboptimal results
Mutual trust:
I think this is the most important ingredient, it is essential for collaboration and support, especially from senior management and your line manager. It’s crucial to be able to lean into that support whenever you need it and to be actively encouraged.
Reward innovation:
I find it works if you value innovation for its own sake, not just for financial gains or cost savings. It’s important to reward people for being innovative.
Autonomy and freedom:
Individuals need the freedom to use their strengths and time effectively. This links back to trust, to be innovative you need to feel free to use your strengths in the best possible way.
A blend of tools, platforms, and expertise
One of her standout pieces of advice is the value of blending in-house tools and agile platforms with external agency expertise. While in-house methods are cost-effective and efficient for quick reads or targeted tasks, agencies can provide critical support, such as ensuring robust sampling and offering tailored strategies. Building strong relationships with agencies familiar with the business enables a seamless partnership that bolsters agility.
AI: a balanced perspective
On the topic of AI, Stephanie provides a balanced perspective. She embraces its use for administrative tasks, like drafting questionnaires or refining concepts, but remains cautious about relying on AI for analysis. She sees untapped potential in AI’s ability to mine insights from historical data, complementing new research to uncover richer, more comprehensive findings.
This interview highlights Stephanie’s pragmatic yet forward-thinking approach to research agility, offering valuable guidance for teams navigating the complexities of today’s fast-paced product development landscape.
If you have any burning questions or would like to discuss anything further, please reach out to [email protected]
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