The problem is not clearly understood
Teams are discussing solutions before agreeing what needs to be solved.
Discovery Research
Discovery research to understand user needs, validate assumptions and reduce the risk of solving the wrong problem before design or development begins.
Fixed Price
£6,995 + VATor PAYG
Designed for
- One product, service or proposition
- Early-stage Discovery
- User and stakeholder insight
- Problem validation
- Two-week engagement
Need something different? Larger or more complex projects are usually better suited to a bespoke engagement.
How do I know if my project is the right fit? ↓What discovery research actually is
Building the wrong thing is rarely a delivery problem. It’s a discovery problem.
Discovery Research helps you understand the problem before deciding what to design, build or improve.
By combining user research, stakeholder insight and existing evidence, the engagement explores user needs, validates assumptions and identifies where the greatest opportunities exist.
You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of the problem, stronger evidence for future decisions and greater confidence before investing further in design or development.
Common problems
Nobody agrees what the real problem is
Discovery creates shared evidence before assumptions become expensive decisions.
You’re entering unfamiliar territory
Understand users, behaviours and opportunities before committing time and budget.
You want to reduce product risk
Validate the problem before investing time and budget in the solution.
Why work with me
Good discovery isn’t about delaying delivery. It’s about avoiding expensive mistakes.
The biggest product failures rarely happen because teams build poor solutions. They happen because organisations solve the wrong problem.
My approach combines user research, UX and product thinking to understand what’s really happening, challenge assumptions and identify where evidence should shape the next decision.
You’ll leave with practical discovery insight that gives your team confidence before deciding what to build next.
Is this right for you?
- 01
You are starting something new
You need evidence before shaping a product, service or proposition.
- 02
You are unsure what users need
Discovery helps uncover behaviours, needs and pain points before solutions are defined.
- 03
You need stakeholder alignment
Research gives teams a shared understanding of the problem and opportunity.
- 04
You’re about to invest in delivery
Validate the problem before investing significant time, budget or resources.
What you’ll receive
Kick-off call
A focused session to confirm objectives, assumptions and the questions discovery needs to answer.
Evidence review
Existing research, analytics, feedback or internal context reviewed before new findings are developed.
Discovery research
Focused research designed to understand user needs, behaviours and pain points.
Discovery findings
Clear findings explaining user needs, evidence, risks and opportunities before delivery begins.
Playback session
A collaborative walkthrough of findings with time for discussion and challenge.
Written summary
A concise document your team can use to support product, service or roadmap decisions.
What’s not included
- Large-scale discovery programme
- Participant incentives
- International research
- Prototype design
- Usability testing sprint
- Implementation or delivery work
Example deliverables
01
Discovery Research summary
A concise summary of the research activity, evidence and key findings.
02
User needs analysis
Clear findings describing user behaviours, needs, pain points and areas of uncertainty.
03
Opportunity areas
A focused view of where the strongest product, service or experience opportunities exist.
04
Prioritised next steps
Practical recommendations your team can use to decide what should happen next.
Typical timeline
Week 1
Kick-off and research
Kick-off, evidence review and focused discovery activity.
Week 2
Synthesis and playback
Findings, insight synthesis, playback and next-step recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kinds of projects is this designed for?
Every Discovery Research engagement is designed to help organisations understand users and problems before committing to a solution. Typical examples include: • A new digital product entering Discovery. • A service redesign that needs user insight. • A product team exploring a new opportunity. • A transformation project where user needs are unclear. • An existing product where the next direction is uncertain. Larger or more complex projects are usually better suited to a bespoke engagement.
What is the difference between Discovery Research and usability testing?
Discovery Research helps understand the problem before a solution is defined. Usability testing evaluates how well an existing product, prototype or concept works for users. Discovery asks, “What problem should we solve?” Usability testing asks, “Does this solution work?”
Do we need to have a solution already?
No. Discovery Research is most valuable before the solution is fully defined. It helps clarify user needs, assumptions and opportunities so your team can decide what should happen next.
What happens after Discovery Research is complete?
You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of user needs, validated assumptions and prioritised opportunities. Some organisations move directly into design or product strategy, while others use the findings to shape future research or challenge the current direction before further investment.
Where are you based?
I’m based in Manchester, UK and work with organisations across the UK, Europe and internationally. Most projects are delivered remotely, although I’m happy to travel for workshops, stakeholder sessions and key project milestones where required.
Do you work remotely?
Yes. Most projects are delivered remotely using Microsoft Teams, Google Meet or Zoom. Working remotely allows me to support organisations across the UK and internationally while remaining flexible and cost-effective.
Will I work directly with you?
Yes. Every project is delivered by me. If additional specialist support is ever needed, I’ll discuss it with you first, but you’ll always work directly with me throughout the project.
Can you work alongside our existing team?
Absolutely. Many clients already have designers, researchers, developers or product managers in place. I can provide additional capacity, independent advice or senior support without disrupting the way your team already works.
Do you only work with large organisations?
No. I’ve worked with startups, SMEs, agencies, charities, public sector organisations and global enterprises. Every engagement is tailored to the size, complexity and goals of the organisation.
What if my project doesn’t fit one of your fixed engagements?
The fixed engagements are designed around the most common types of engagement. If your project requires something different, I’ll create a bespoke proposal based on your goals, timescales and scope.
How quickly can you start?
Availability varies throughout the year, but many fixed engagements can begin within one to two weeks. If you have an urgent requirement, let me know and I’ll always do my best to accommodate it.
Do you sign NDAs and work with confidential information?
Yes. Much of my work has involved commercially sensitive products, government services and confidential research. I’m happy to sign NDAs and regularly work with organisations where confidentiality is essential.
Related thinking
Related glossary
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LET'S WORK TOGETHER
Ready to improve your product?
UX, research and product leadership for teams tackling complex digital services.
Previous feedback
I had a fantastic experience working with Andy. One of his most impressive achievements during our time at NHS HEE was masterminding a deeply complex information architecture for a new platform that brought together a large number of legacy websites.
Will Parkhouse
Senior Content Designer
If you want to understand the problem before investing in the solution, let’s discuss whether Discovery Research is the right place to start.