Jan 21, 2022
Jan Chipchase is the founder and director of Studio D
Radiodurans, a research, design and innovation consultancy. He
specializes in identifying nuanced patterns of human behavior. The
insight it generates informs and inspires design, strategy, brand
and public policy.
Jan describes his work in design anthropology in terms of a
satellite launched into space that is chartered with identifying
new planets, existential threats, but with a lens that can also be
turned back on earth to help his clients also understand
themselves.
I’ve been fascinated with Jan’s work for quite some time and had
previously read and recommended both of his books. His research
provides great insights into how products are being intentionally
and unintentionally used and often take him into gray market
environments.
In this OODAcast, we discuss Jan’s work but also his insights
into how to conduct field research, build focused teams, and what
sorts of insights can be derived. He also shares some great OODA
Loop stories where quick decision-making and disrupting expected
behaviors allowed him to get out of some tight situations.
Earlier in his career he was Executive Creative Director of
Global Insights at frog, a global design and innovation
consultancy, where he headed up the global research practice. Prior
to that he was Principal Scientist at Nokia where he specialized in
entry level products. He’s worked on products that have
collectively sold over a billion units.
His first book Hidden in Plain Sight was published in English,
Japanese, Chinese, Korean and Russian. It became a best-seller in
South Korea, of all places. The follow-up Today’s Office was
published in South Korea. He also wrote The Field Study
Handbook.
At various times he has been based out of London, Shanghai, Los
Angeles, San Francisco, Berlin and a decade in Tokyo.
Additional Links:
Jan’s Books:
Book Recommendations:
