Hypothesis welcomes Lynne Lainez as Head of Talent as the agency continues to grow and distinguish itself by focusing on service, customization, creativity, and critical thinking. Previously Talent Director at Publicis Groupe’s Team One USA, Lynne will champion and advance Hypothesis’ vibrant people-centric culture and core values as the award-winning agency works to help the world’s most important brands to amazing things. At Hypothesis, she’ll focus on employee experience, learning & development, DEI, attracting new talent, and organizational design.

In the early stages of the pandemic, we sought to classify the different ways people were reacting to the pandemic. In that research, we identified 6 unique mindsets. Now, with Omicron peaking in the United States, fatigue setting in, and a new political landscape, we once again wanted to know how the public was reacting. Our research uncovered 5 new outlooks on the current pandemic. Which one best describes you?

In the era of social media and the 24-hour news cycle, the national conversation is a moving target. To keep a finger on the pulse of consumer conversations, illuminate nuance around how conversations differ across demographic groups, and explore the relationship between consumer mindset and discourse, we’re talking to 1,000 Americans every month and asking them one simple question: what was your last conversation about?

In August 2019 we set out on a months-long process of defining our mission, vision, and values. That process, involving workshops, internal focus groups, and research, culminated in the mission statement “We Help Important Brand Do Amazing Things” and a Values Box we constructed, packaged, and distributed to the Hypothesis family. You can read more about it in our blog post Hypothesis: Deconstructed. Almost 2 years and a pandemic later, we decided it was time for a refresh.

The voice of the consumer is more important than ever, and CI teams are sharing their findings with an increasingly diverse array of internal stakeholders eager to understand consumer truths. Indeed, the need for actionable research is at an all-time high. But what does “actionable” really mean? Even the most strategic research report typically ends with a relatively brief “Implications” section with thoughtful, but general suggestions carefully worded to not step on any toes or over-reach with specificity or (gasp!) subjectivity.

Momentum, the in-house strategy group at Hypothesis, is pleased to welcome Maia Wapnick, Group Director, Savannah Daugherty, Director, and Franny Brogan Ball, Senior Strategist to the team. All three will be transitioning from their current roles on the insights team at Hypothesis.

Hypothesis welcomes Misha Nubia as Head of Client Strategy. Misha brings nearly two decades of experience in research, strategy, and consulting, specializing in communications, brand, and customer experience for Fortune 500 companies. Her client roster spans industries from Automotive, Luxury, Beauty, Content, and Entertainment to Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals.

JTBD is a hot new methodology. Companies from Facebook to Starbucks have embraced it as a tool for product innovation. But what is it, when do you use it, and what are best practices? Hypothesis has conducted over 20 JTBD studies across numerous categories. In this video we introduce the methodology, it's use cases, and how Hypothesis has been successful in integrating other research and design ideas to enhance this exciting methodology.

More than 20 years ago, we started Hypothesis with the idea of being a different type of agency that emphasizes creativity and design while embracing individuality, empowerment, and support for each other. Over the years, the company’s core values and goal of doing the best work was summarized internally as the “Hypothesis Way.” That phrase captures everything from how we approach our work and our client relationships, to how treat each other. The Hypothesis Way is how we flourish as individuals and as company. It is our story.

Hypothesis, a premium insights, design, and strategy agency, welcomes Mary Ann Packo as Senior Partner. Mary Ann is a global industry leader, with more than 25 years of continuous experience heading brand-building research businesses, both corporate and entrepreneurial. Most recently, Mary Ann served as CEO of Kantar Gold Rush.

Hypothesis is excited to congratulate its long-time client/partner, ESPN, for being named an ARF David Ogilvy Award finalist in the “Sports, Media & Entertainment” category for its incredible campaign “The Last Dance.” ESPN was also nominated for two additional campaigns in the same category: “There’s No Place Like Sports,” and “We Love It Here.”

Let us start by saying, we didn’t believe in online focus groups. So far in our careers, we’d really only had experience with in-person groups, where you can more easily read body chemistry, tone, and energy when you’re sitting right across from someone. It’s easier to spark rapid fire conversation and build on exciting ideas through the in-person energy of others. But, we’re “yes and” kind of people. So when COVID-19 started, we said, yes! We can do it online, no matter how complicated.

The COVID-19 pandemic situation is creating perhaps the most significant shared experience the world has ever witnessed. During this uncertain time, a common question is, “how are you adapting to the new normal?” Well, this isn’t the new normal—yet. The stay-at-home orders will end, the economy will start-up again. What follows will be the “new normal.”

There is already no question that the growing global pandemic and mitigation efforts are going to affect human attitudes and behaviors deeply. For you, as Founder/Owner/Executive/Marketer/Product Manager/Champion of your brand, your company will, of course, need a new strategy. However, to grow in the inevitable era of “the new normal,” you will need both a proactive strategy to step into the new future and a reactive growth strategy to save the present.

COVID-19 is impacting the way we all do business, especially for in-person market research. Delaying (or canceling) projects isn’t an option, as urgent business questions remain. Hypothesis has been supporting clients around the world to quickly adapt their research plans in the wake of the situation. It’s time to get creative.

Hypothesis, a leading insights, design, and strategy agency, has announced the appointment of Matt Walker as VP of Growth Strategy. In this newly created role at Hypothesis, Matt will partner with the best and most ambitious brands around the world, identifying demand-side growth and marketing opportunities.

Hypothesis, the premium insights, design, and strategy agency, is excited to congratulate its client IHOP for being named an Ogilvy finalist in both “Best Brand Transformation” and the “Retail and Restaurants” category for its IHOb campaign.

Presidential general elections in the last century were often focused on making a case to swing voters. After primaries ended, both Democrats and Republicans ran to the political middle in order to convince people to choose their side. But that all changed in the new millennium.

Dawn Amodeo has been promoted to Managing Director (Los Angeles.) In her new capacity, she will be instrumental in leading the project teams and ensuring that the culture and resources allow for the best possible work.

In Michelle Castle’s new role as Chief Strategy Officer at Hypothesis, she will be working on a number of growth and strategic initiatives designed to support the company mission of “helping important brands do amazing things.”

Maria Vallis has been named a Partner at Hypothesis. She will be a key executive, shaping the vision of project work with a focus on client management and innovation.

Casey Willard has joined Hypothesis as Chief Methodologist. He will be a senior leader on the advanced analytics team with a focus on project work and analytic innovation.

Hypothesis welcomes Lluvia Carrillo to the team. Lluvia is a versatile, seasoned qualitative researcher with over 10 years of experience. She is passionate about understanding human behavior and helping brands build deeper connections with consumers.

Hypothesis is pleased to announce that Edahn Small has been named Chief Design Officer. Additionally, Jenny Pfost, has been promoted to the position of Creative Director.

Based on the success of our bite-sized infographics (fondly dubbed “infobites”), we’ve decided to host our first ever Infobite Contest! We created infobites in 2016 in response to the changing ways we consume media (thanks, memes) and our passion for design, data, and insights.

Authentic, human insights are gained by emulating a more natural environment. As researchers, we must be willing to let some of our outdated “facility” habits go and adopt a new set of practices that facilitate more empathetic qualitative research.

Emily joins Hypothesis with both quantitative and qualitative research experience in a variety of industries, including restaurant, retail, pharmaceutical, and technology.

Hypothesis is thrilled to announce that Michael (aka Mookie) Thottam has been promoted to Marketing Sciences Director.

”Celebrate,” a project developed by Hypothesis, was chosen as one of 70 Merit award-winning designs in the most recent HOW In-House Design Awards, which recognizes the very best creative work produced by designers doing in-house work for corporations, associations and organizations.

Once again, Hypothesis took over Perry's in Santa Monica for our annual summer luau. It was too hot for volleyball this year, but the ocean was super warm. The DJs provided great music while the henna artist and lots of ice cream kept the kids busy.

Hypothesis is excited to announce our participation at this year's The Market Research Event (TMRE) in October with our client partner, Aristocrat Gaming. Maria Vallis and Eric Mathis of Hypothesis with Roberto Coppola from Aristocrat will present a case study on creative techniques to inspire, innovate and disrupt the casino slot machine category.

The question is simple: “Which of the following brands have you heard of?” from a preset list. Most brands see this question, aided brand awareness, as an important KPI. It’s often the very first metric reported in a presentation. But is aided brand awareness worth the attention?

Hypothesis is excited to announce that Samantha Ahmari has joined the team as the People & Talent Manager! Samantha came to us with a  wide-range of HR experience. Prior to coming aboard, Samantha worked at a digital media company, Kin Community, implementing HR processes and policies while cultivating a strong company culture.

Hypothesis is pleased to announce that Josh Erdman has been promoted to Senior Consultant. Josh has proven his ability to manage complicated research studies, communicate effectively both internally and externally, and has risen to the challenge of overseeing and running strategic projects autonomously.