MRX Lab

Episode 8 - Storytelling Lessons Researchers Can Take from Table Top RPGs

In this episode, we dive into the world of table top RPGs and what they can teach us about more engaging stories. The episode focuses on the role of the Dungeon Master and the methods they have developed for keeping players interested in tales that can last multiple months.
Together, we’ll explore ten different storytelling tips that the medium has generated – from the role of the audience, to literary devices and the importance of understanding stakeholder motivations.

Episode 7 - Evaluating Art & Advertising as Reporting Techniques

In this episode, we investigate the research to action divide and look to whether creative reporting techniques can provide a path to closing it. We hone in on advertising and art as two key fields from which to draw inspiration and examine the techniques used to motivate audiences.
We look at the role of attention, novelty and emotion in creating a memorable, engaging visuals and contrast how creative reporting techniques perform against more traditional alternatives.

Episode 6 - The Parallels Between Principles of Research and Journalism

In this episode, we look at the principles of journalistic ethics and their relevance to research. We’ll focus on four key principles in particular: the need to be truthful & accurate, the endeavour to be independent, the importance of loyalty to citizens and, finally, the concept of proportionality.
We’ll also touch on practical tips and advice from journalists on how to engage audiences and tell the right stories to the right people at the right time.

Episode 5 - Applying the Principles of Design Thinking to Market Research

In this episode, we look at the practice of design thinking and its relevance as a philosophy to market research and insight. We frame the context in which design thinking principles can be most effectively applied and break down the process into its component parts.
Last, we touch on learnings can be taken from design thinking into our day-to-day activities, but caution against overuse and generalisations that often pervade such narratives.

Episode 4 - Memes As A Language For Visual Communication

In this episode, we investigate the use of memes in online qualitative research, and how to decode the complex meaning that can be found in them. We take three examples from recent history; the emoticon, the distracted boyfriend and the Dolly Parton challenge - applying semiotic analysis to uncover the social and cultural data they reveal.
Finally, we turn to the skills and processes required to turn memes from strange curio to source of useful, relevant research data.

Episode 3 - Do Software Developers or Insight Pros Shape Modern Research Experiences?

In this episode we explore the relationship between insight professionals and software developers. In an era where researchers are 2.3x more likely to use an online survey than an offline alternative, it’s important to examine the skills, relationships and effects that development teams are having on the industry.
And more important is to actively bring both skill sets together in order to deliver better research software and better results for our clients.

Episode 2 - The Joy Of Innovation And Importance Of Embracing Novelty

In this episode, we explore the fun, that should accompany innovation. Today, it’s weighed down by management structures, pipelines and investment strategies – often reducing it to line item on a financial report.
Stuff ideas in one end and new ways of working will emerge from the other. That’s the theory. But that strips out some of the most valuable, human elements; something that researchers are well positioned to fit back in.

Episode 1 - Print; Hello World

In the first MRX Lab episode, we provide a brief introduction to the show, how it came about and the topics we'll be covering throughout our first season.
Created for market research and insight professionals, this podcast zigs where others zag. Instead of featuring interviews with industry leaders or discussing hot topics - the MRX Lab dissects and examines conversations on the fringes of insight.