Making Research Matter: Closing the Utilization Gap
Wed Jan 14 2026
In this Conversations episode, we tackle a familiar challenge in market research: delivering strong work—only to see it go unused.
Why do well-designed studies and thoughtful analyses still fall flat with stakeholders? Often, it's not a data problem. It's a communication problem. Specifically, a utilization gap between what research shows and how decision-makers absorb and apply it.
We explore how visual storytelling helps close that gap by anchoring research reports in a clear narrative. This isn't about flashy charts or graphic design. It's about combining credible proof points with visuals that guide understanding, build trust, and make findings actionable.
Drawing on principles we teach in our market research training, the episode breaks down:
Why narrative clarity matters as much as methodological rigor The seven elements that support an effective research story How brevity strengthens impact—especially for busy stakeholders A simple point-of-view sentence that helps market research professionals focus their reports Whether you work in qualitative research, quantitative research, or broader Customer Insights roles, this conversation offers practical guidance for improving how research findings land—and get used.
Conversations for Research Rockstars is produced by Research Rockstar Training & Staffing. Our 25+ Market Research eLearning classes are offered on-demand and include options to earn Insights Association Certificates. Our Rent-a-Researcher staffing service places qualified, fully-vetted market research experts, covering temporary needs due to project and resource fluctuations.
We believe it: Inside every market researcher, is a Research Rockstar!
Hope you enjoy this episode of Conversations for Research Rockstars.
Research Rockstar | Visual Storytelling Course | Blog
Facebook | LinkedIn | 877-Rocks10 ext 703 for Support, 701 for Sales Info@ResearchRockstar.com
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In this Conversations episode, we tackle a familiar challenge in market research: delivering strong work—only to see it go unused. Why do well-designed studies and thoughtful analyses still fall flat with stakeholders? Often, it's not a data problem. It's a communication problem. Specifically, a utilization gap between what research shows and how decision-makers absorb and apply it. We explore how visual storytelling helps close that gap by anchoring research reports in a clear narrative. This isn't about flashy charts or graphic design. It's about combining credible proof points with visuals that guide understanding, build trust, and make findings actionable. Drawing on principles we teach in our market research training, the episode breaks down: Why narrative clarity matters as much as methodological rigor The seven elements that support an effective research story How brevity strengthens impact—especially for busy stakeholders A simple point-of-view sentence that helps market research professionals focus their reports Whether you work in qualitative research, quantitative research, or broader Customer Insights roles, this conversation offers practical guidance for improving how research findings land—and get used. Conversations for Research Rockstars is produced by Research Rockstar Training & Staffing. Our 25+ Market Research eLearning classes are offered on-demand and include options to earn Insights Association Certificates. Our Rent-a-Researcher staffing service places qualified, fully-vetted market research experts, covering temporary needs due to project and resource fluctuations. We believe it: Inside every market researcher, is a Research Rockstar! Hope you enjoy this episode of Conversations for Research Rockstars. Research Rockstar | Visual Storytelling Course | Blog Facebook | LinkedIn | 877-Rocks10 ext 703 for Support, 701 for Sales Info@ResearchRockstar.com