This document discusses discovery research and provides guidance for leading an expedition or discovery process. It defines discovery research as an expedition to gain understanding through meeting people and experiencing a different culture firsthand. It advises expedition leaders to plan routes, meetings, and questions; try new research methods like diaries, panels, and projective techniques; and maintain a mindset of continuous discovery rather than one-off validation. Key takeaways are that discovery is an expedition, the researcher leads it, they should avoid superficial "graveyards," discover new methods, and view discovery as an ongoing mindset.
6. “The Explorer Belt is a challenge of a lifetime. It is a
chance to take part in a ten day expedition that
brings you a real understanding of a different
country, its culture and way of life. You will develop
this understanding by travelling through your chosen
country, working as part of a small team to complete
a series of projects and most importantly by meeting
local people. It is an experience and an achievement
that you will remember for the rest of your life.”
https://members.scouts.org.uk/explorerbelt
9. “…it’s as much about the journey as what you
find along the way.”
Dan Brown @brownorama
Practical Design Discovery https://abookapart.com/products/practical-design-discovery
10. Solo or group expedition?
• The journey maybe long
• You may need to travel far from home
• There is a real danger that you could get lost in the thick
of the forest and literally disappear for months
11. “Big reveal research doesn’t work.”
Will Myddelton @myddelton
http://www.myddelton.co.uk/blog/user-research-is-a-team-sport
13. Discovery Expeditions are for teams
• Keep in touch with your loved ones who couldn't make
it
• Keep a journal, log where you have been and what your
reflections are
• Send them postcards!
15. Expedition planning
• Who do you want the group to meet?
• What questions do you want to ask?
• What do you want the group to see or hear?
• What else do you want to find out about?
• Where will your journey take you?
• What route will you take?
• What do you want the group to bring with them?
33. “With continuous research, we’re changing the
process from “Did we get it right?” to “Help
create this with us”.
Teresa Torres @ttorres
https://blog.nomnom.it/continuous-product-discovery-an-interview-with-teresa-torres-product-discovery-coach-36cdc410d2bd
41. Takeaways
1. Discovery is an expedition
2. You are the expedition leader
3. Avoid the Research Graveyard
4. Discover new methods
5. Discovery is a mindset