Unleashing the Power of User Research: How Bold Insight Transforms Experiences
In a world that has become increasingly complex due to the rapid advancements in technology, the importance of user research and user experience has skyrocketed. Companies now understand that a high-level of usability is and user-friendliness are not just competitive advantages, but essential components for success.
Back in 1989, when the internet was still in its infancy, Bob, a PhD in Cognitive Psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, recognised the need for human factors specialists who could bridge the gap between psychology and technology. This led to the birth of User Centric, which later evolved into Bold Insight Ltd. Let’s explore the journey of Bold Insight and how they have become leaders in the field of user research.
The Early Days: From User Centric to Bold Insight
User Centric, founded by Bob and his business partner, Gavin Lew, emerged as a research agency in Chicago. Their vision was to simplify the world and make it easier for people to use new technologies. Initially, their main focus was on providing usability testing for mobile phone manufacturers, e-commerce platforms, and software producers. As the internet expanded globally, User Centric saw an opportunity to go beyond borders and partnered with companies worldwide, forming the UXAlliance. They even established a research agency in China, and published a book on global user research.
Growth and Adaptation
Despite facing challenges during the global downturn in 2008, User Centric continued to thrive. Their relentless commitment to quality, global scale, and customer service allowed them to triple their staff and revenue in the early years. In 2012, User Centric was acquired by GfK, a global market research firm, and experienced exponential growth. However, when GfK underwent an ownership change, the team that joined in 2012 sought a fresh start. Thus, in 2018, Bold Insight was born.
The Birth of Bold Insight and ReSight Global
Bold Insight began with a simple idea: taking care of customers, employees clients, and the world. With self-financing and no external funding, they aimed to maintain control over their destiny and took no external funding. Employee ownership was established to motivate the team, and they reconnected with old partners from Germany, Japan, and China to form ReSight Global. This holding company ensured a tight-knit network of interdependent companies, allowing them to collaborate and expand their collective capabilities.
Entering the UK Market
In 2022, Bold Insight expanded its global footprint by venturing into the UK market. The timing seemed opportune, with the aftermath of Brexit and the gradual recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Bold Insight’s entry aimed to grow a client base in a very important market and capture the revenue and margin they had been sending to partners in the UK. With seed money from Bob and ReSight Global, Bold Insight hit the ground running. Leveraging the experience and expertise of their US company, they closed their first year with a profit and impressive gross sales of £1 million. They have built a dynamic team here in London under the leadership of Bob and Shada Azodi, Research Director.
The Evolution of User Research
User research has transformed from being a competitive advantage to an essential practice in today’s marketplace. Industry giants invest billions to gain a deep understanding of their users, validate their designs, and deliver efficient, effective, and safe products and services. While the space of UX/UI design is crowded, Bold Insight consciously chose to stick to their core competency and deliver the most value to their clients through user research.
The Impact and Future Growth
Bold Insight’s impact is evident in the significant difference they make in various industries. They ensure medical devices are safe and effective for use, enhance the usability of everyday objects, and strive to make digital technology more inclusive and accessible. As part of ReSight Global, Bold Insight continues to grow and expand its reach. Recent acquisitions in India, an office in Singapore, and exploration of opportunities in South America demonstrate their commitment to supporting clients’ growth in these markets.
Conclusion
Bold Insight’s journey exemplifies the critical role of user research and user experience in today’s technological landscape. Their evolution from User Centric to Bold Insight and their involvement in ReSight Global have enabled them to make a remarkable difference in the world. With a focus on delivering exceptional experiences, they continue to lead the way in user research, helping clients create usable products and services that improve people’s lives.
