Design Thinking and Lean Methodologies: A Synergistic Approach


Intro
In today's swirling sea of innovation, organizations are on the lookout for strategies that can help them navigate challenges and seize opportunities. Among the frontrunners in this quest for efficiency and creativity are design thinking and lean methodologies. Both approaches may have distinct origins and processes, yet they share a common goal: fostering innovation while enhancing efficiency. This article seeks to explore how these two frameworks can intersect, creating a powerful synergy that propels businesses forward in a fast-evolving market.
Design thinking emphasizes empathy and understanding users’ needs, while lean methodologies focus on reducing waste and optimizing processes. When combined, they present a robust model that not only drives innovation but also streamlines operations, ultimately leading to greater satisfaction for customers and stakeholders alike.
In this guide, you’ll find an in-depth exploration of various aspects of design thinking and lean methodologies. We will dissect their fundamental components, delve into real-world applications, and examine the future trajectories of these methodologies in different sectors. By understanding how they influence one another, professionals can harness their combined power to make informed decisions and foster a culture of continuous improvement in their respective organizations.
Technological Research Overview
In this age of rapid technological advancement, keeping abreast of recent innovations is vital. Businesses that fail to adapt could find themselves left behind.
Recent Technological Innovations
Recent innovations have not only changed how products are developed but also how teams operate within organizations. Technologies like artificial intelligence, automation tools, and collaborative software have reshaped the landscape. These developments have enabled teams to enhance their workflows significantly, integrating the principles of both design thinking and lean methodologies. For example, AI tools can help conduct user research faster, aligning perfectly with the empathic nature of design thinking while simultaneously allowing for streamlined production processes—a tenet of lean methodology.
Impact on Business Operations
The integration of these technologies into business operations often results in more adaptable and resilient structures. Companies that blend design thinking with lean practices report improved project outcomes and heightened employee engagement. This is because they tap into a dual approach that prioritizes user needs whilst continuously iterating to eliminate inefficiencies. As projects move from ideation to execution, the feedback loop created by these methodologies allows for fine-tuning and constant improvement.
Future Technological Trends
Looking ahead, it's prudent to expect an even deeper melding of design thinking and lean philosophies with emerging technologies such as augmented reality and machine learning. Companies are likely to increasingly utilize these tools to enhance user experience and optimize processes, further solidifying the necessity of this hybrid approach.
"The intersection of innovative technology and user-centered design will likely define successful enterprises in the near future."
Data Analytics in Business
Data is the new oil, and understanding its relevance in driving decisions is more crucial than ever. Organizations can harness vast amounts of data to inform their design thinking processes and lean practices.
Importance of Data Analytics
Data analytics provides critical insights into user behavior, market trends, and operational efficiency. By embedding data analytics into the design thinking process, businesses can make informed decisions that directly address the needs and preferences of their users. This ultimately improves product design and enhances the customer experience.
Tools for Data Analysis
There are numerous tools available that can facilitate effective data analysis. Popular options include:
- Google Analytics: Excellent for tracking website performance and user engagement.
- Tableau: Helps visualize data trends and patterns.
- Excel: A staple for various data manipulation tasks.
These tools empower teams to collect, analyze, and act on data swiftly, enhancing the lean approach of minimizing waste.
Case Studies on Data-Driven Decisions
Numerous companies have successfully leveraged data analytics to underpin their design and lean methodologies. For example, Netflix employs sophisticated algorithms to predict user preferences, greatly enhancing its content delivery while reducing wasted resources. Another fitting example is Amazon, which uses data to streamline its supply chain effectively, ensuring that customer needs are met proactively.
Cybersecurity Insights
In the tech-savvy world, cybersecurity is a top priority. The rapid integration of design thinking and lean methodologies must also include a stringent focus on security practices pivotal for protecting data and assets.
Threat Landscape Analysis
As businesses adopt new technologies, they face a growing array of cybersecurity threats. Understanding the landscape of potential vulnerabilities is essential for crafting robust security measures. Regular assessments of risks can aid organizations in designing safeguards that align with their operational activities.
Best Practices for Cybersecurity
To mitigate risks, companies should adopt best practices such as:
- Regularly updating software and systems.
- Utilizing stronger authentication processes.
- Conducting regular security training for employees.
Regulatory Compliance in Cybersecurity
Adhering to regulations such as GDPR or HIPAA is not just a legal obligation but a strategic necessity. Compliance ensures that businesses can operate securely and maintain customer trust.
Artificial Intelligence Applications
Artificial intelligence (AI) has proliferated in various domains, offering exciting possibilities that align with both design thinking and lean methodologies.
AI in Business Automation


AI can automate repetitive tasks, allowing teams to focus on high-value activities. By streamlining production processes through technologies like machine learning and predictive analytics, organizations can achieve significant efficiencies.
AI Algorithms and Applications
From chatbots that enhance customer engagement to advanced data processing tools, AI applications fit seamlessly into both methodologies’ frameworks.
Ethical Considerations in AI
As AI takes up more space in business practices, ethical considerations can’t be brushed aside. Issues like bias in algorithms and data privacy must be addressed head-on to maintain customer trust and comply with regulations.
Industry-Specific Research
The impact of design thinking and lean methodologies varies across industries, each presenting unique challenges and opportunities.
Tech Research in Finance Sector
In finance, integrating design thinking with lean methodologies helps address the growing complexity of financial products. A user-centered approach drives innovation while ensuring compliance and mitigating risk.
Healthcare Technological Advancements
In the healthcare sector, these methodologies can enhance patient care by promoting efficiency in service delivery and focusing on truly understanding patient needs.
Retail Industry Tech Solutions
The retail domain has embraced this integrated approach to refine customer experiences through analytical insights and process improvements, allowing businesses to stand out in a crowded marketplace.
In sum, the confluence of design thinking and lean methodologies is not just a theoretical concept but a practical guide for organizations aiming to thrive in competitive environments. This exploration into their intersecting paths provides a framework for professionals to catalyze innovation while achieving operational excellence.
Prolusion to Design Thinking and Lean
In today’s rapidly evolving business environment, the need for innovation and efficiency takes center stage. Companies face unprecedented challenges and opportunities, making it essential to adopt methodologies that can adapt to constant change. Design thinking and lean methodology have emerged as two pivotal frameworks that, when combined, offer extremely valuable insights and applications. This article sheds light on their interplay, exploring how their strengths can be harnessed to foster a culture of creativity and continuous improvement.
Defining Design Thinking
Design thinking is often seen as a human-centered approach to innovation. At its core, it emphasizes understanding users and their needs, fostering collaboration, and encouraging experimentation. The process typically involves five key stages: empathizing, defining, ideating, prototyping, and testing. Each step feeds into the next, creating a circular process that seeks to refine ideas based on actual user feedback rather than assumptions.
However, design thinking goes beyond just user engagement. It encourages teams to challenge the status quo, think outside the box, and venture into uncharted territory.
The focus on empathy cannot be understated. It’s about stepping into someone else's shoes, really getting the grips of what a user experiences. This human-centric approach not only leads to innovative solutions but also builds deeper connections with the target audience.
Understanding Lean Methodology
Lean methodology originates from manufacturing, specifically the Toyota Production System. Its primary tenet is to maximize value while minimizing waste. Waste is seen not just in terms of materials but also time, effort, and resources.
Lean encourages organizations to examine their processes meticulously. Here, value stream mapping becomes essential; it identifies key steps in a process and flags any non-value-adding actions. This focus on efficiency instills a culture where continuous improvement is a natural expectation.
In lean thinking, everyone from the top brass to the workshop floor has a role to play. It’s a collective effort where every employee is empowered to suggest and implement improvements. This creates an environment of trust and collaboration, key elements that are also essential in design thinking.
"Combining both methodologies gives organizations a way to innovate not just rapidly but also smartly."
As we delve further into this article, we’ll explore how these two frameworks not only coexist but enhance one another, creating a robust path towards achieving sustainable success.
The Core Principles of Design Thinking
In today’s rapidly evolving business environment, grasping the core principles of design thinking is not just beneficial—it’s essential. This approach offers a framework that prioritizes human experiences and creative solutions in problem-solving. The principles of design thinking emphasize not only identifying gaps but also understanding needs and contexts, which directly informs the ideation process.
Beyond merely offering a pathway for creativity, these principles address practical aspects of product and service development. The salient principles include a focus on empathy, ideation, prototyping, and testing. Each of these elements highlights a cycle rather than a linear path, allowing professionals to iterate their concepts based on feedback as they proceed. This iterative mode encourages flexibility and responsiveness within teams, ensuring solutions are relevant.
Empathy and User-Centered Design
Empathy lies at the heart of design thinking. It’s not just about figuring out what the user wants; it’s about experiencing their journey from their perspective. By actively listening to users, professionals can unveil the subtleties of user experiences that may otherwise remain hidden. Without this lens of understanding, innovations can often miss the mark.
User-centered design entails gathering insights through direct interactions with users, employing methods like interviews, surveys, or even shadowing. This step often reveals pain points and desires that guide further development. The insights gathered during this phase help in crafting solutions that genuinely resonate with users, resulting in not only satisfaction but also loyalty.
Ideation and Creativity in Problem Solving
Once empathy has been established, the next phase is ideation. This stage embraces the notion of brainstorming, but it’s not just any brainstorming session. It thrives on diversity and the collective input from various disciplines and backgrounds. Creativity flourishes in a space where all ideas are welcomed, regardless of how unconventional they might be.
Facilitating open dialogues enhances a team’s ability to explore multiple avenues before settling on the most viable solution. This collaborative spirit doesn't just generate a multitude of ideas; it also strengthens relationships within the team. In practical settings, tools such as mind maps or collaborative platforms like Miro can facilitate this creative exchange effectively.
Prototyping and Testing Concepts


The prototyping phase is where the rubber meets the road. Here, ideas begin to take shape in tangible formats. Creating prototypes—from simple sketches to more sophisticated models—provides a practical tool for visualization and communication. This not only helps in refining the concept but also serves as a means to elicit feedback. Joint testing sessions with end-users can lead to clarification around functionality, desirability, and usability.
Testing is indispensable; it's the reality check that can make or break a project. The feedback gathered is invaluable, providing the necessary data to tweak and improve solutions iteratively. The cycle may loop back to ideation or even empathy, showcasing the non-linear nature of design thinking, anchored in continuous learning and improvement.
"Design thinking enables teams to tackle complex problems by grounding their solutions in empathy, creativity, and iterative learning.”
Lean Methodology Explained
Lean methodology is a powerful framework that has drawn the attention of businesses seeking efficiency and effectiveness in their processes. It focuses on maximizing value by reducing waste and enhancing productivity. In today's fast-paced and ever-changing business landscape, understanding lean principles can offer organizations a roadmap to streamline operations. This section delves into essential aspects of lean, highlighting core components that illustrate its significance in conjunction with design thinking.
Value Stream Mapping
Value stream mapping (VSM) is a pivotal technique within lean methodology. It serves as a visual representation of the flow of materials and information throughout the stages of a process. By identifying every step from inception to delivery, businesses can pinpoint areas where inefficiencies lurk.
Through value stream mapping, companies can grasp how much time and resources are consumed in their operations. This clarity opens up opportunities for optimization. For instance, consider a manufacturing company that uses VSM to assess its production line. By visualizing each step, from raw materials to finished product, they might discover that an excessive wait time at a particular station is driving up costs without adding value.
Moreover, VSM can promote a culture of collaboration across departments. When teams share insights about their individual roles in the value stream, it fosters a shared understanding of the bigger picture, aligning efforts towards common goals.
Eliminating Waste and Improving Efficiency
The heart of lean methodology is the relentless pursuit of waste elimination. This idea isn’t just about cutting costs; it’s about enhancing the overall value delivered to customers. Lean identifies seven types of waste:
- Transportation – Unnecessary movement of products or materials.
- Inventory – Excess products that aren't being processed.
- Motion – Unneeded movement by people.
- Waiting – Time spent waiting for the next step in a process.
- Overproduction – Producing more than needed at the current time.
- Defects – Products that do not meet quality standards, resulting in rework.
- Overprocessing – Doing more work than necessary to add value.
By scrutinizing these areas, organizations can identify bottlenecks and streamline processes. This approach not only boosts bottom lines but can also enhance employee morale and satisfaction. When employees see improvements in workflows, they are likely to feel more engaged and productive.
Continuous Improvement and Innovation Culture
A core philosophy of lean methodology is the concept of continuous improvement, often referred to as Kaizen. This principle asserts that no process is too good to be improved. By nurturing a culture that encourages everyone to constantly look for ways to enhance their work, businesses can stay ahead of the curve.
In practice, this means creating a safe environment for team members to voice their ideas and suggestions. When employees are empowered to take ownership of their processes, they become invested in the overall success of the organization. To illustrate, a design firm embracing lean principles might hold regular brainstorming sessions where all staff can propose changes to workflows or tools that could enhance productivity.
Ultimately, the fusion of continuous improvement with design thinking fosters an atmosphere of relentless innovation. Through ongoing reflection and adaptation, organizations positioned at this intersection can carve out effective solutions that meet evolving customer needs while maintaining efficiency.
"In the world of innovation, it's not the strongest or smartest that survives; it’s the most adaptable to change that thrives."
By dissecting lean methodology in relation to design thinking, it’s clear that blending these frameworks can yield remarkable results for organizations. As we proceed, we’ll uncover more about the intersection of these two approaches and how combining their strengths creates unparalleled opportunities for value creation.
The Intersection of Design Thinking and Lean
In today’s rapidly changing environment, organizations seek every possible advantage. The intersection of design thinking and lean methodologies presents a compelling landscape for fostering innovation while maintaining efficiency. This combination offers a unique way to navigate complex challenges, marrying creative problem-solving with streamlined processes. By recognizing how these two approaches complement each other, businesses can unlock new realms of possibility.
Complementary Strengths
Both design thinking and lean methodologies prioritize user needs but from different angles. Design thinking delves into the emotional and experiential aspects of problem-solving, focusing on empathy and ensuring that solutions resonate with users. It's about getting to the heart of the problem by asking thoughtful questions and understanding user experiences. Meanwhile, lean methodology zeroes in on optimizing processes, identifying waste, and creating value through efficiency.
When combined, these philosophies can lead to powerful outcomes. For instance, a team might conduct user research to gather insights, then use lean tools such as Value Stream Mapping to visualize and streamline the workflow needed to bring those insights to fruition. This dual approach not only enhances the quality of the output but also accelerates time-to-market.
In practice, professionals find that leveraging the strengths of both methodologies can generate more innovative designs without losing sight of cost-effectiveness. When design thinking fosters creativity and lean ensures efficiency, the result is a well-rounded strategy that addresses both user needs and business objectives.
Creating Value through Collaboration
Collaboration is the heartbeat of integrating design thinking and lean. When different disciplines come together, they cultivate a rich soil wherein creativity and rationale can flourish. Teams composed of designers, engineers, and business analysts can approach problems from multiple perspectives, fostering a culture of shared understanding and collective ownership.
In a collaborative environment, the following take shape:
- Cross-Pollination of Ideas: Team members expose each other to unique viewpoints, leading to more innovative solutions.
- Shared Accountability: Everyone becomes invested in the process, enhancing motivation and commitment to quality outcomes.
- Diverse Skills: By utilizing the distinct skills of each member, teams can address problems more comprehensively.
An example can be seen in a startup developing a new app. By employing design thinking, they actively engage potential users in co-creation workshops, while the lean approach guides the team in refining their workflows to eliminate redundant steps in the development process. This not only delivers a product that truly meets user needs but also does so while keeping project costs in check.
"Successful integration means not just merging frameworks but cultivating a mindset of innovation rooted in user empathy and efficiency.”
Implementing the Combined Framework
In the realm of modern business, the merging of design thinking and lean methodologies represents more than just a tactical alliance of concepts. It's fundamentally about carving out a blueprint that not only drives efficiency but also amplifies creativity. When companies embark on this journey of integration, they unlock a plethora of benefits that can redefine their operational paradigms, ultimately leading to enhanced innovation and product quality.
However, embarking on this combined framework is not without its considerations. Key elements such as leadership commitment, cultural adaptability, and clear communication channels play pivotal roles in ensuring a smooth integration. As with any strategic endeavor, a thorough understanding of the interplay between these methodologies is essential. This section will delve into the guiding principles that can facilitate the successful integration of design thinking and lean methodologies, as well as highlight noteworthy case studies illustrating real-world applications of this combined approach.
Guiding Principles for Integration


Integrating design thinking with lean processes is akin to navigating a complex dance where each step must be deliberate yet fluid. Here are some guiding principles that can anchor this integration:
- Foster a Culture of Collaboration: Encourage cross-functional teamwork. When designers, engineers, marketers, and sales professionals work together, the potential for innovative solutions multiplies.
- Prioritize User Feedback: Design thinking thrives on understanding user needs. Regularly incorporate user feedback into lean processes to fine-tune products or services, enhancing their relevance in the market.
- Iterate Rapidly, Learn Continuously: Embrace the iterative nature of both methodologies. Lean encourages quick prototyping, while design thinking emphasizes constant feedback, creating a cycle of continuous improvement.
- Align Vision and Strategy: Articulate a clear vision that aligns design thinking and lean goals with the company’s overall strategic objectives. This alignment helps foster commitment and clarity among teams.
- Leverage Data and Analytics: Utilize data to inform decisions, validate hypotheses, and guide the design and lean processes. This reliance on data can pave the way for smarter decision-making.
Case Studies of Successful Integration
Examining tangible instances of how organizations have implemented the combined framework reveals the practical applications of design thinking and lean methodologies:
- The Case of Toyota: Renowned for its lean practices, Toyota employs design thinking principles in vehicle development. Engineers and designers collaborate closely to create cars that meet user needs while minimizing waste in production.
- Airbnb's Approach: The hospitality giant utilizes design thinking to understand user experiences deeply. Through lean practices, they continually test and iterate their platform, which fosters an agile process for adapting to changing consumer preferences.
- Bank of America: When redesigning their online banking platform, they adopted a user-centered approach that included feedback from customers. This integration not only improved the platform's usability but also enhanced the bank’s operational efficiency.
By combining the creative insights of design thinking with the systematic efficiency of lean methodologies, organizations don't just adapt to challenges; they thrive in them.
Through these real-world examples, the impact of implementing a combined framework becomes evident. It's not merely adopting two sets of practices but rather an evolution in how problems are approached, solutions are crafted, and goals are achieved. As the landscape of business continues to evolve, those who harness this synergy will likely emerge as leaders in innovation and efficiency.
Challenges in Combining Approaches
Integrating design thinking with lean methodologies presents a unique landscape of challenges. Each of these frameworks has its strengths, but their different philosophies can sometimes result in friction when aligned in practice. The importance of this discourse lies in understanding these hurdles as much as recognizing the potential benefits. This section emphasizes the key challenges: cultural resistance and the delicate balance that must be struck between creativity and efficiency.
Cultural Resistance
Cultural resistance often rears its head when organizations attempt to meld design thinking with lean approaches. Companies might have a historical foundation rooted in strict processes or a top-down decision-making structure. This can create an atmosphere where innovative ideas feel stifled, and employees hesitate to express unconventional thoughts.
The clashing mindsets of traditional workplace culture and the innovative essence of design thinking can hinder the successful implementation of these methodologies. Employees who are accustomed to rigorous process adherence may view design thinking as chaotic or lacking structure. Moreover, lean philosophy’s emphasis on efficiency may conflict with the exploratory nature inherent in design thinking, leaving team members uncertain of their roles in this new framework.
To mitigate cultural resistance:
- Leadership Involvement: Feeling backed by the higher-ups can make all the difference. Leaders should not only endorse the integration but actively participate in workshops or training sessions.
- Foster Open Communication: Encourage team members to voice their concerns and suggestions as this can cultivate a more inclusive atmosphere.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Recognizing progress—even if it seems minor—can boost morale and encourage acceptance of the new ways of working.
Balancing Creativity with Efficiency
Finding that sweet spot between creativity and efficiency can prove daunting. Design thinking is a departure from conventional practices, asking teams to step outside their comfort zones and explore uncharted territories. In stark contrast, lean methodologies demand relentless scrutiny of waste and a focused aim towards efficiency. This dichotomy often sets the stage for internal conflict among teams.
On one hand, design thinking urges experimentation—a necessary component of innovation where ideas can flow freely. On the other, lean methodologies insist on optimizing processes. Organizations may struggle to determine when to allow creative freedom and when to apply lean principles.
To strike this balance effectively:
- Iterative Processes: Adopt an iterative approach where teams can prototype and test ideas within lean’s efficient structure. Build some flexibility into lean processes to allow room for creative exploration.
- Encourage Cross-Functional Collaboration: Leverage diverse skill sets within teams. This can help teams weigh creative ideas against practical feasibility, preventing either side from overwhelming the process.
- Define Clear Objectives: Establish clear goals for projects, intertwining creativity with concrete outcomes. Employees can grasp how their innovative sparks contribute to the overall mission without sacrificing efficiency.
"Innovation is the ability to see change as an opportunity—not a threat." – Anonymous
By recognizing these challenges, organizations can better navigate the complexities of integrating design thinking and lean methodologies. Awareness of cultural resistance and the need to balance creativity with efficiency can pave the way for a more harmonious relationship between these powerful systems.
Future Directions and Trends
In the rapidly changing business environment, understanding how design thinking and lean methodologies evolve is crucial for organizations aiming to stay ahead. The intersection of these two frameworks not only supports problem-solving but also ensures that businesses remain agile and resilient in the face of disruption.
Evolving Business Landscapes
Today's market is like a moving target. Businesses are constantly adjusting their strategies to meet new challenges. Organizations that embrace the principles of design thinking find themselves better equipped to attract and retain customers. This is largely because they prioritize user experience and satisfaction. Companies are pivoting from traditional models to more flexible ones, which allow for quicker adjustments based on customer feedback.
- For example, consider how brands like Airbnb have transformed the hospitality landscape. Instead of merely providing a service, they allow users to feel connected to local communities, all while streamlining operations using lean methodologies. This synergy leads to better customer satisfaction, which in turn drives revenue.
- Another factor is globalization. Local businesses often compete with international companies, raising the bar for quality and service. This means that adopting innovative methodologies isn't just a choice; it's a necessity for survival.
Technological Advancements and Methodological Adaptations
Tech plays a pivotal role in how companies refine their practices. As technology advances, so do the methodologies that underpin both design thinking and lean approaches. Automation, data analytics, and artificial intelligence are no longer trends, they are essentials.
- For instance, companies like Tesla leverage data to enhance user experience and streamline manufacturing. By using big data analytics, they can predict customer needs and adjust their designs accordingly. This approach embodies the principles of both design thinking and lean methodologies—innovation informed by empathy and operational efficiency.
- Furthermore, tools like Miro and Trello have made collaboration easier. These platforms allow teams to brainstorm, test ideas, and iterate on designs in real time, which enhances both creativity and efficiency.
"Adaptation is key. In a world where change is the only constant, businesses must be quick on their feet and flexible in their approach to innovation."
As we look ahead, it's clear that the landscape will continue to evolve. Businesses need to pay attention to the technological trends that impact operations and consumer interaction. Integrating design thinking and lean methodologies will not just offer a competitive edge; it will also transform how organizations function at a fundamental level, paving the way for a more innovative, customer-centric future.
The End
The convergence of design thinking and lean methodologies underscores a transformative journey for businesses navigating a world marked by constant change and complexity. By prioritizing empathy, understanding user needs, streamlining processes, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, organizations can create solutions that not only address immediate challenges but also drive long-term value.
Summary of Insights
- Holistic Approach: Combining design thinking's user-centric focus with lean's efficiency creates a holistic framework. This enables teams to innovate while ensuring that resources are used wisely.
- Problem-Solving Advantages: Organizations harness a breadth of creative solutions when both methodologies intertwine. Design thinking nurtures idea generation, while lean ensures these ideas are feasible and sustainable.
- Adaptability: As business landscapes evolve, companies that apply this combined approach can respond quickly to new demands and challenges, ensuring they're not just afloat but thriving in turbulent waters.
"Innovation doesn’t stem from a single approach, but rather from the marriage of gradual refinement and bold creativity."
Call to Action for Businesses
As we look ahead, it’s crucial for businesses to rethink traditional frameworks and explore the synergy of design thinking and lean methodologies. Here are some actionable steps:
- Assess Current Practices: Evaluate existing processes through both design thinking and lean lenses. Identify areas for improvement or integration.
- Invest in Training: Foster a culture where employees are trained in both methodologies. Workshops and real-world applications can help bridge the gap between theory and practice.
- Pilot Projects: Start small. Implement pilot projects that leverage the integration of these methodologies. Collect data and learn from the outcomes.
- Seek Collaboration: Encourage cross-departmental teams to work together, bringing diverse perspectives that enhance creativity and efficiency.
- Measure and Adapt: Create a system for measuring the impact of these integrated practices. Use qualitative and quantitative data to inform future strategies.