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Research Framework Overview
Research Framework · Design Mindset

Big Picture
Perspective

My end-to-end research system — adapted by context. Sometimes a two-week loop, sometimes a multi-quarter initiative. The structure stays the same; the depth changes.

4
Framework phases
Diamond models applied
Iterative by design
01

The Double Diamond

The Double Diamond is the structural backbone of how I approach every research engagement — two diverge-converge cycles that prevent jumping to solutions before understanding the problem.

I adapted this framework for my doctoral research and apply it at different depths depending on the project scope, budget, and timeline.

The structure stays the same — the depth changes with context.
Qualitative Research Quantitative Analysis Usability Testing Behavioural Mapping Iterative Prototyping Design Sprints
Phase 01 · Diverge
🔍
D1
Discover
Open exploration — understand before assuming.
User interviews Surveys & observations Contextual inquiry Heuristic evaluation
Phase 02 · Converge
🎯
D2
Define
Synthesize into a sharp, human-centred problem statement.
Persona development Affinity mapping Pain point clusters HMW statements
Phase 03 · Diverge
💡
D3
Develop
Generate and test — ideation without premature commitment.
Ideation workshops Rapid prototyping Usability testing loops Feedback integration
Phase 04 · Converge
🚀
D4
Deliver
Refined solutions backed by evidence and ready for implementation.
Final design specs Journey maps Actionable recommendations Handoff documentation
Double Diamond Model
02

The Reverse Diamond

The Reverse Diamond flips the model — starting from a focused hypothesis and expanding outward before converging on a solution. Ideal for design sprints where time is the constraint.

Start narrow. Explore broadly. Converge fast.
🎯
Start Narrow Begin with a focused problem or hypothesis — not a blank canvas.
🌐
Expand Broadly Rapidly explore a wide range of ideas and solution directions.
Narrow to Ship Select the most promising solution and build a testable prototype within the sprint window.
Best suited for fast-paced design sprints where teams need to move from goal to testable output quickly
Avoids open-ended exploration when the problem space is already understood
Used in my SAP project for A/B testing two design versions against specific behavioural goals
Reverse Diamond Model
03

Research Strategy

I adapt the Double Diamond framework per project scope — the right tools for the right depth, shaped by budget, research questions, and timeline.

Sprint Mode
2–4 Weeks
Reverse Diamond. Focused hypothesis, rapid ideation, one round of usability testing. Ship and learn.
Project Mode
📋
1–3 Months
Full Double Diamond with mixed methods. Interviews, affinity mapping, mid-fi prototyping, iterative testing rounds.
Initiative Mode
🔭
Multi-Quarter
Strategic research with multiple discovery cycles, stakeholder alignment, longitudinal behavioural tracking, and phased delivery.
Research Strategy Big Picture
"
Research without structure wanders. Structure without curiosity stagnates.

The Double Diamond isn't a rigid process — it's a thinking posture. It reminds me to stay curious longer than feels comfortable, and to commit harder than feels safe.

Every project in this portfolio passed through some version of this framework, adapted to its context, its constraints, and the humans at its centre.

🔍
Stay in discovery longer than feels comfortable — the best insights come after the obvious ones
🎯
A sharp problem statement is worth more than a hundred solutions looking for a problem
🔄
Iteration isn't failure — it's the method. Every test is data, every revision is progress