"Should Everybody Do Research?" - Act 02 - Scene 38 - Kate Towsey
Summary
In this episode of the DesignOps Aligned podcast, Naresh Shan speaks with Kate Towsey, a prominent figure in the field of research operations. They discuss the evolution and current state of research ops, the importance of democratizing research, and the role of researchers in product development. Kate emphasises the need for strong research leadership and the integration of AI as a strategic partner in research processes. The conversation also touches on the future of research methodologies and the importance of building effective research repositories to enhance organisational knowledge.
Takeaways
• Kate Towsey is a well-known figure in the field of research operations.
• Research ops are growing despite layoffs in the industry.
• Companies recognise the need for research but may not see the need for dedicated researchers.
• Democratisation of research allows various roles to conduct research.
• Research leaders are essential for guiding research strategy.
• AI can enhance research processes, but should be viewed as a teammate.
• Effective research repositories are crucial for knowledge sharing.
• Research methodologies will evolve with the integration of AI.
• Building relationships with stakeholders is key to influencing research culture.
• Understanding organisational priorities can help researchers align their efforts.
Chapters
00:48 - Introduction and Setting the Stage
02:18 - Kate Towsey's Journey into Research Operations
05:22 - The Current State of Research Ops
08:17 - Democratisation of Research and Its Implications
11:21 - Quality of Research in a Democratized Environment
14:14 - The Role of Researchers in Organisations
17:18 - Challenges and Opportunities for Research Ops
19:49 - The Role of Researchers in Product Development
21:47 - Rethinking Product Development Life Cycle
23:58 - The Need for Research Leadership
26:39 - Translating Research into Business Language
29:20 - Leveraging AI in Research
34:30 - AI as a Team Member in Research
38:47 - Synthetic Users and Research Optimisation
43:10 - The Evolving Role of Research in Design
45:14 - Methodologies in Flux: The Future of Research
48:37 - Research as the Spine of Organisations
53:59 - Influencing Change: The Path to Research Integration
