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1. Ciba Vision Corporation

challenge

"Understanding the lifestyle of the daily contact lens wearer." Provide deep insights to guide DTC advertising in a category with little differentiation

research

A custom-designed, hybrid approach to learning from the target. Our method emphasized consumer story-telling through small group focus conversations, video and audio diaries, and creative field exercises with consumers.

results

5 themes emerged and were crafted into advertising concepts. Concepts were tested in Global Ad Testing process. Winning concept ("Oh What A Feeling!") put into first US TV spot in this contact lens segment in a decade. Video and audio diaries also used to create richly detailed profiles of the Ciba Vision Daily Disposable Contact Lens wearer.

2. Leading CPG Company

Challenge

"Getting inside the hearts, heads and minds of shoppers." We were asked to provide an up close and personal experience for the companyís most senior executives to help them understand challenges shoppers face and how themes of health & wellness, as well as value come into play in decision-making at retail.

Research

Patricia Sunderland teamed with Laurie in this project to create a dynamic, multi-faceted process in which we coached the client team to act "as researchers;" we orchestrated multiple client and shopper teams venturing to several stores to observe and interview pre-screened shoppers, and then conducted a client team debrief to capture observations, insights and implications for client business and their retail partners.

Results

Provided greater empathy for shoppers and a portfolio of ideas and implications to enhance clientsí relationships with retail partners. Approach became a "best practice" in company.

3. Sabra Guacamole

Challenge

To develop a robust pipeline of product and packaging ideas to grow the brand

innovation

Laurie partnered with Abby Leafe to design a 3-day Innovation Summit held at Sabra’s headquarters. The program involved a diverse team from Sabra, plus Thought Leaders (package designers, concept writer, food trends/chef, illustrator) plus snack-eating consumers.The design included pre-session work for all (video dipping diaries), co-creation session with consumers, breadth of perspectives and ideas from thought leaders, exploration in Sabra’s kitchen to identify yummy ingredient combinations. Hundreds of ideas were generated and two dozen developed in session. Following the Summit concepts were written and illustrated and taken to new groups of consumers for feedback.

Results

Several new products rolled into the marketplace including 4-pack, 2-ounce single serve cups package new Veggie Fusions line and others in the works.

4. Storage Products Manufacturer

Challenge

Rapid prototyping: how to get consumer feedback in a fast, efficient and creative way?

research

A series of mini groups with consumers was held in an unconventional settingóa B&B. Venue selected so that consumers could interact with a variety of product prototypes in different spaces that were more like home than a conventional focus group facility. Client team members directly viewed the interaction between consumers and prototypes. An industrial designer sketched consumersí feedback, options and improvements.

Results

Faster, more insightful and less expensive than typical prototype research. Richer insights and more creative ideas to improve the prototypes. The work continues.

5.Valvoline

Challenge

How to create a portfolio of consumer-compelling new product concepts to appeal to DIY segments interested in keeping up the appearance of their vehicles

Research &innovation

We conducted a series of "Concept Inspiration Groups" with consumers in various geographies. Innovative design for the groups incorporated "holistic thinking" and multi-sensory exercises. Outside Thought Leaders observed the groups and provided new perspectives.

Results

Consumers provided a window into their love affairs with their vehicles. With their input, plus the clients and Thought Leaders expertise, we created a wide range of exciting new product concepts.