Learn to Think in Color

How do you decide whether to start research from the details or from the big picture? Choosing between top-down and bottom-up without overthinking it Framing the question Deciding whether to start with the  big picture vs details in research  is really about choosing the right zoom level:  top-down  or  bottom-up . Top-down research begins from goals, strategy, and hypotheses; bottom-up research starts from observations, data, and concrete problems. The trap is defaulting to your favorite mode instead of matching the approach to the risk and the decision in front of you. This guide gives you a simple way to choose your starting point—and language you can share with colleagues—so everyone understands  why  you’re beginning top-down or bottom-up on a project. The Two Lenses: Big Picture (Top-Down) vs Details (Bottom-Up) Most research mistakes are really zoom mistakes: Too wide, and you never commit. Too close, and you perfect the wrong thing. Think of yo...

What Are the Benefits of Bringing Academic Research to Business? Bridging Ivory Towers and Boardrooms: Why Smarts Drive Strategy Academic research can seem abstract and slow-moving, while business thrives on speed and results. But when these two worlds collide, the payoff is big. This post unpacks the advantages of injecting research-backed thinking into the fast-paced business landscape. From innovation to credibility, understanding the benefits could reshape how your organization approaches strategy and decision-making. Why It Matters Bringing academic research into business is more than a knowledge transfer; it’s a strategy multiplier. At its core, academic work is built on rigor, peer review, and methodical inquiry. Businesses, on the other hand, often rely on intuition, trend-watching, and quick pivots. Combining the two leads to more grounded, innovative, and future-proof decisions. The benefits span across multiple domains—product development, employee training, strategic planni...