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Why Participating in Market Research Matters

Taking part in industry information gathering can help architects and designers stay competitive and shape the future of design.

For architects or designers looking to stay ahead of the curve, participating in market research could be the key. The sexy world of design has a nerdy side that holds some profound personal and professional benefits. Here are ten reasons to consider participating in ThinkLab’s surveys:

By participating in ThinkLab market research, architects and designers are contributing to a larger cause, helping to create a more sustainable future.

01 Influence industry change.

By making their voices heard, architects and designers can help drive emerging design trends, identify inspirational materials, shape product development, and spark new, efficient approaches for product manufacturers that save time for everyone in the product selection process. 

02 Get a first look.

Architects and designers love to share with us. We love to share back. In response to the insights design professionals contribute from their unique perspectives, we help create context around how those thoughts relate to others, then share it in an infographic format optimized to speak to the brilliant design-driven minds in our community. Participants receive valuable information that can help them work smarter, not harder. 

03 Shape perspective.

ThinkLab is constantly exploring hot topics at the intersection of business and design. Participants will be exposed to left-brain topics translated for the right-brained crowd, and vice versa. By engaging in this research, they’ll further develop their own points of view and broaden their understanding of the industry.

04 Share expertise. 

We recognize participants for the unique experiences that have built their careers. Distinct perspectives may come in the form of expertise in a particular vertical market, a deep understanding of what’s happening in a local design community, or knowledge of a topic that a participant is particularly passionate about. We want to hear it all. Our screeners help us learn more about participants and curate research opportunities that fit their specific areas of expertise. 

05 Learn from peers.

While taking simple surveys is one way to participate, architects and designers can also take part in qualitative discussion sessions led by ThinkLab. These sessions are designed as an opportunity to connect with other leading minds nationwide on a variety of topics. Participants can make new connections outside their usual industry niche and collaborate on industry-changing projects. 

06 Become part of a community.

Participants become part of a broad community of like-minded movers, shakers, and influencers. We help strengthen connections beyond local markets to create a valuable network of peers who can support and inspire one another throughout their careers.

07 Earn rewards.

Who doesn’t want a little extra spending money? Simply by participating, architects and designers earn rewards such as cash, gift cards, or other gifts shared by our research sponsors. 

08 Save the planet.

For every complete survey response, we plant a tree. By participating in ThinkLab market research, architects and designers are contributing to a larger cause, helping to create a more sustainable future for our planet. We have already planted thousands of trees since the launch of this rewards program. Learn more by checking out our growing forest at Tree Nation. 

09 Get published and be heard.

In addition to the ThinkLab blog, our team members are regular contributors to our  sister brands Interior Design, Metropolis, Luxe, and other industry publications. We frequently pull in astute observations from our research participants, or even extend invites to make their voices heard on ThinkLab’s digital seminars, LinkedIn Live audio events, the Design Nerds Anonymous podcast, or the Learning Objective podcast. 

10 Drive positive industry disruption.

What is positive disruption? It’s simply a belief that if we don’t disrupt the industry ourselves, we become complacent. ThinkLab invites architects and designers to join us in questioning “the way things have always been done” to create an even better way forward. 

In the wise words of Adam Grant, author of Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know: “Intelligence is traditionally viewed as the ability to think and learn. Yet in a turbulent world, there’s another set of cognitive skills that might matter more: the ability to rethink and unlearn.” Join ThinkLab to be part of the evolution of the industry and help shape the future of design.


 Amanda Schneider is president of ThinkLab, the research division of SANDOW Design Group. Join in to explore what’s next at thinklab.design/join-in

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