START TIME: 8:00 am US Pacific Time
From Researcher to Director: How to set up a mobile video study | Justin Hendricks
Video research is often viewed as a means of recording traditional research methods--observation or focus groups. However, mobile video changes the approach by putting the participant in the position of the researcher, requiring the researcher to play the role of director while the participant becomes the researcher. In this session Justin talks about why this shift in thinking is important for creating quality mobile video studies and how to best set up your mobile video study for success from recruit to guides.
The AI Playbook for Qual Researchers: Gamify, Hack, and Accelerate Your AI Skills | Marilisa Beatty
AI is here to stay – but knowing how to use it effectively in a qualitative research workflow is the real challenge. In this practical, hands-on session, Marilisa introduces the AI Playbook: a collection of gamified techniques, strategic hacks, and creative workflows designed specifically for qualitative researchers. She’ll demonstrate how to turn learning into a habit, use AI as a partner for brainstorming, analysis, and writing, and apply these tools directly to real-world tasks from design to delivery. This isn’t a demo, it’s a mindset shift and tactical training to help researchers build lasting skills and reconnect with the creative heart of qual.
Click to Connection: Tech-Driven Strategies for Finding, Prepping & Engaging Great Respondents | Ivayana Abdi and Rosie Barraza
Great qualitative research begins well before the first question is asked. Drawing on their extensive experience in project management, recruitment, and logistics, Ivayana and Rosie demonstrate how the right combination of technology, empathy, and strategy transforms average participants into truly insightful contributors. They share practical approaches to identifying, screening, and engaging participants who arrive curious, articulate, and ready to share. Topics include what defines a ‘good’ participant beyond quotas and screeners; how tech platforms—from screener design to onboarding—can enhance participant comfort and success; techniques for building rapport before the session, such as video introductions, platform walk-throughs, and automated yet personal touchpoints; how to spot early signs of disengagement or fraud; and tips for selecting intuitive, accessible platforms that benefit both agencies and participants alike.
Balancing AI & EI: How Emotional Intelligence Elevates Artificial Intelligence | Shelly Singh
Shelly highlights the vital role of emotional intelligence (EI) in market research, even as AI revolutionizes data analysis with its speed and pattern recognition. While AI excels at detecting trends and automating tasks, it lacks the ability to interpret human emotions, context, and social nuances. She shares real-world examples showing how human insight uncovers motivations AI can miss and presents a framework for balancing AI’s power with EI’s depth. Shelly’s key message: AI should enhance—not replace—the empathy and intuition that drive truly impactful research.