5- Bobby Ghoshal @Candid Co: How to do user research that is rooted in business
Mar 6, 2018
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In this episode, Bobby Ghoshal, co-host of High Resolution podcast and co-founder of Candid Co, shares insights on doing user research rooted in business, measuring and presenting design results, and training designers to be more business-savvy. Topics include his journey into design, the importance of selling in design, research as a profit center, and uncovering solutions through operationalizing research findings.
User research should be rooted in addressing business problems to create meaningful design solutions.
Designers need to possess business acumen and learn how to influence decision-making within the company.
Deep dives
Designing with a Focus on Business Goals
Bobby Gossow, co-founder of Candid Co. and co-host of the High Resolution podcast, shares his insights on bridging the gap between design and business. He emphasizes the importance of connecting design with business objectives and explains how at Candid Co., user research is rooted in addressing business problems. Bobby also discusses measuring and presenting the results of design work, as well as finding and training designers who are business-savvy.
Early Experiences and Artistic Background
Bobby reflects on his early experiences in art and how he transitioned into design. Growing up in India, he discovered his love for art and sold his drawings to parents in his building elevator. He emphasizes the significance of aesthetic value and discusses how his background in art and selling influenced his approach to design, particularly in relation to persuading and influencing decisions.
Selling as an Essential Skill for Designers
Bobby highlights the importance of selling in design, explaining that it goes beyond convincing customers to purchase a product. Designers need to learn how to influence decisions within the business and make choices that benefit both the user and the company. He discusses the need for designers to possess business acumen and the ability to understand the metrics and conversations that drive decision-making.
Research Rooted in Business and Inclusive Collaboration
In discussing Candid Co.'s research process, Bobby emphasizes the importance of grounding research in business objectives. The research team collaborates with various departments, including marketing, support, and design, to gather insights and address specific business challenges. He highlights the significance of inclusivity, bringing together different perspectives and forging alliances within the company to enhance the customer experience and drive business growth.
Bobby Ghoshal is a co-host of a famous podcast High Resolution and a co-founder of a startup Candid Co. He has more than 15 years of experience in the design world and is a big proponent of bringing design closer to business.
In this episode we spoke about:
how to do user research that is rooted in business problems
how to measure and present results of your design work,
and how to hire and train a design team to become more business-savvy.
Show notes:
3:55 How did Bobby get into design?
7:45 How 11-year old Bobby sold his art to parents
11:20 How Bobby's early sales experience translated into design
13:30 How to recognize if a designer is business-savvy?
16:40 How to train a designer to become more business-savvy?
21:30 How Bobby and his team does user research that is rooted in business challenges?
36:45 How does design team at Candid Co track and present results of design work?
41:15 Bobby's advice for designers who are just starting
46:25 What is one thing Bobby changed his mind about design after recording High Resolution?
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