We Customize
research technologies to client needs

Work We've Done

Research Design

We design and implement a variety of research approaches. Depending on the client's needs, timeline and budget, we match the most effective and efficient method with the challenges and opportunities of the targeted issue(s). In some cases we use existing methods and tools. In other cases we modify or invent methods and tools. Our research designs incorporate labor-saving technologies and focus on collecting and analyzing objective data that enables the client to make better decisions.

Featured Example:
Research Design for Higher Education Strategic Visioning

The central purpose of this strategic visioning project is to discover innovative insights of what a university unit can be like in 2015 and outline doable, measurable steps to the vision. These insights will be grouped into a series of interrelated scenarios that provide a blueprint for action. The core deliverables include:

A well defined vision of what is desirable and possible;
Specific details of what needs to happen, by when and by whom; and,
An online tool (application) designed to track progress and revise the vision.

The research design is grounded in data and assesses the complexities of potential futures and assembles a vision and plan that is:

Inclusive of a spectrum of stakeholders;
Responsive to current and emerging needs; and,
Relevant to changing conditions.

Featured Example:
Research Design for Strategic Philanthropic Investments

Within a six month period in 2011, VISIONTECH360 implemented a modified strategic visioning and crowd-source vetting method designed to:

define a set of high-priority issues for a given region,
assess current efforts addressing these issues,
project possible innovative solutions to meaningfully impact the issues, and
evaluate the expected cost/effort/impact associated each innovative investment scenario.

Visual Rendering of Research Data

Valid and reliable research data are valuable ONLY if people can access, understand and apply the data. Delivery of results in reports, papers and tables is a traditional approach that limits access to, and value of, research. VISIONTECH360 has a growing library of alternative, innovative research delivery tools that are visual and interactive. When building these rendering tools for a client, we consider how to best reach the targeted audience -- whether it is stakeholders, stockholders, customers, policy makers, board members, donors, etc -- audience determines how we design the interface of our data tools. Our renderings often feature layered data sets, which means the initial interface provides a high-level synopsis and as viewers want to learn more, they can access deeper layers of more detailed data.

Featured Example:
Interactive Video of Qualitative Research Results

As one of the outputs from a strategic visioning research project, the VISIONTECH360 team developed an interactive video application that presents layered results. Users of this application are able to pick and choose among the thematically organized data, all of which is rendered in a stylized animation. The application is also equipped to track input by the users that can be rolled into future strategic visioning efforts for the client. As data is collected by the application, a series of graphical interfaces are updated giving the client real-time monitoring capabilities.

Featured Example:
Interactive Data Explorer of Federal Data Sets

Many of VISIONTECH360's clients rely on Federal data sources as important inputs to their work; however, making sense of these databases can be difficult when relating multiple data sources together. VISIONTECH360 has created an interactive tool for statewide monitoring of progress in household access to broadband communications. This tool combines and renders Federal telecommunications data and US. Census data as an interactive visual map.

portfolio connectingalabama subscription map

Application of Data to Complex Planning Initiatives

VISIONTECH360 specializes in supporting planning initiatives of any size by collecting, normalizing and graphically rendering data from multiple sources. These interactive tools bring clarity and focus to efforts designed to change conditions.

Featured Example:
Integrated Data Presentation Tool

Integrating data can reveal powerful insights. Serving the broadband communications planning efforts in the state of Idaho, VISIONTECH360 has built an application that geographically plots the supply and demand of key services. This tool has helped regional planning teams determine what interventions are needed where. This tool also features a data collection and validation component, which keeps the driving data sets current and relevant.

Featured Example:
Dynamic Planning Dashboard

VISIONTECH360 has developed several planning dashboards that provide a common work space for dispersed teams working to innovate change. These dashboards serve as a collection and filtering system for many types of information relevant to the planning process. Data tools (such as those described above) are embedded in these dashboards. Planning teams use the dashboard to post and retrieve data. The dashboard structure supports multiple concurrent plan building efforts. The actual plan writing is organized as modules that are stored in a database that allows the plan to be dynamic. Some modules are automatically updated by the upload of new data sets while other modules are updated manually by users. The modular approach provides a version control function so users are always working with the most current draft. The modular design also enables the ability to track progress of and changes to plans that feed in to an integrated monitoring and evaluation framework.