Our Process

How We Work

Rigorous process. Plain-English output. From the first conversation to the final report.

01

Define the Research Question

Before any fieldwork begins we work with clients to understand what decisions the research needs to inform. Good research starts with a clear question, not a methodology. We challenge vague briefs and push back where needed — it saves time and money later.

At This Stage

  • Discovery call or meeting
  • Brief review and clarification
  • Research objectives agreed
  • Budget and timeline scoped

At This Stage

  • Survey or discussion guide drafted
  • Sampling strategy agreed
  • Locations and timing planned
  • Client sign-off before fieldwork
02

Design for Context

Survey instruments, discussion guides and sampling strategies designed specifically for the research environment — whether a busy coastal car park in July or a community museum in January. Generic questionnaires produce generic answers.


03

Gather Evidence in the Field

Experienced fieldworkers, face-to-face methods and quality control processes built from 25 years of knowing what goes wrong and how to prevent it. Paired working where required. Real-time monitoring of response rates and sample balance.

At This Stage

  • Briefed fieldwork team deployed
  • Tablet-based data collection
  • Ongoing quality checks
  • Client interim updates

At This Stage

  • Data cleaned and validated
  • Statistical and thematic analysis
  • Cross-tabulation and subgroup analysis
  • Findings tested against objectives
04

Analyse with Skill

Statistical analysis, thematic coding and interpretive synthesis — not just tables and graphs. We find the story the data is telling and test whether it holds up. We tell you what it means, not just what it says.


05

Communicate for Action

Reports, presentations and interactive dashboards calibrated to the audience. Board members, funders and community groups all need different things from the same findings. We deliver outputs that travel — reports people actually read and share.

Deliverables

  • Branded PDF and Word reports
  • PowerPoint presentations
  • Interactive live dashboards
  • Data tables and Excel workbooks

"We don't just deliver data — we deliver understanding that leads to better outcomes."

Rob Dunphy, Founder · Evidence Agency