The Literacy Lesson That Transformed My Market Research Approach (And Why Empathy Is Your Best Data)
Transforming Data Into Human Stories: Why Empathy and Evidence Matter
For more than 20 years, I’ve been drawn to the stories behind the numbers. My work as a market researcher has always been about more than charts and spreadsheets—it’s about connecting with real people, listening to what matters to them, and uncovering the patterns that shape their lives. I love transforming everyday moments and personal stories into strategies that spark growth and lead to smarter decisions—whether for a team, a community, or an individual.
Whether I’m sitting across from a consumer describing their home routine, listening to a custom installer explain installation pain points, or encouraging an adult learner in a literacy class, I find meaning in the human side of data. That’s where real impact begins.
Listening First: The Heart of Innovation
The best ideas don’t start with a feature—they start with a story.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of hearing people describe their routines, frustrations, and aspirations. It’s in these honest conversations that true opportunities emerge: a refrigerator accessible to all ages, a sound system that adapts to different hearing abilities, or a learning experience designed to meet someone exactly where they are.
Human-centered design begins with asking, What problem are we solving for real people? and How will this make their lives better?
It’s about empathy—not just engineering.
Lessons from the Classroom
For the past decade, I’ve volunteered as a literacy tutor—an experience that has profoundly shaped how I approach everything from research to leadership. In 2025, I leaned into this passion even further, dedicating significant time to helping adult learners build confidence and independence. This season has been a gift. It’s allowed me to deepen my commitment to service, reflect on what matters most, and apply the principles of empathy and evidence in new ways.
One tutoring experience in particular has stayed with me.
Several years ago, I worked with a man who read and wrote English well but struggled with pronunciation and verbal communication. As I always do, I began by learning about his life and goals before addressing the specific challenge that brought him to tutoring. During this discovery phase, I learned that his goal wasn’t simply to improve his language skills—it was to connect with his son’s classroom teacher on a human level.
Together, we focused on building his confidence in speaking, practicing real-life conversations, and navigating the nuances of communication. Watching him grow—not just as an English speaker, but as a parent empowered to advocate for his child—reminded me that learning is about far more than mastering vocabulary or grammar. It’s about connection. It’s about being seen.
Progress happens when you meet learners where they are, understand their goals, and design support that fits their lives. I’ve watched adults gain confidence and independence not because the curriculum was the most sophisticated, but because it was relevant, accessible, and delivered with care.
Evidence-Based Impact
Of course, empathy alone isn’t enough.
The true power of human-centered design comes from pairing empathy with evidence. In market research, I use data to validate what I hear in interviews and focus groups. In tutoring, I track progress and adjust my approach based on what works for each individual learner.
Blending insights from multiple sources ensures that solutions aren’t just well-intentioned—they’re effective. It’s how we make sure the changes we implement genuinely improve people’s lives.
Why It Matters Now
As the home industry continues to evolve, there’s growing recognition that technology should serve people—not the other way around. Energy efficiency, accessibility, and emotional well-being are becoming central to product design. The same shift is happening in education, where personalized learning and inclusive practices are driving better outcomes.
Human-centered design is more than a trend.
It’s a mindset—one that bridges industries and transforms lives.
Call to Action
I invite you to reflect:
How are you putting people at the center of your work—whether you’re designing products, delivering services, or supporting learners?
