IIEX APAC 2023 Speaker Interview with Subhra Bardhan of Kotak

Disclaimer: opinions represented here are personal and do not represent those of Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited.

Question #1: Give us a brief peek into your talk. What are the key take aways?

Incorporating customer feedback and data into an agile decision-making process improves product development and helps create products that better serve consumer needs, leading to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty. It emphasizes understanding consumer preferences for successful market outcomes.

Question #2: You have a great topic. Tell us the reasons you chose it?

The traditional method of conducting research and gathering insights typically involved a more passive approach, where data was collected and analyzed after the fact. However, with the advent of technology and automation, research and insights have become more dynamic and on-the-go. Now, we use a variety of data points and sources to triangulate information and understand the story behind the data. This approach allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the subject matter and can lead to more accurate and actionable insights. Additionally, it enables researchers and decision makers to respond quickly to changes in the market or consumer preferences, which can be critical for success in today’s fast-paced business environment.

Question #3: We are glad you are joining us at IIEX APAC. What are you hoping to gain from this event?

I am eager to explore the ways in which data insights and analytics, qualitative/quantitative research, and user experience research can complement each other and how we can leverage each other’s specialized skills. I am also looking forward to learning from my peers in the MR industry, and to gain a deeper understanding of how to leverage the specialized skills of each research method. Additionally, I am excited to discover the latest trends and innovations in insights creation and implementation, as presented by the diverse range of organizations and teams represented at the conference.

Question #4: IIEX events focus on all things innovation in insights. What does research innovation mean to you?

The industry is currently experiencing a proliferation of innovations in various areas such as technology, project management, AI, and ML. However, many of these advancements are not yet mature enough or lack sufficient real-world applications to be implemented on a daily basis. It is important for organizations to stay informed about these developments and to evaluate their potential use cases, but also to proceed with caution and only adopt solutions that have been proven to be effective and practical.

Question #5: Our industry is always evolving. What is the next big change you’d like to see?

As a market researcher, my goal is to create research that has a tangible impact on the growth of organizations and the satisfaction of customers, by identifying and addressing their needs and pain points. This can be achieved by focusing on applied research rather than solely academic research that may not be relevant to the stakeholders’ needs.

Question #6: Research Technology, or ResTech, is booming. How do you see this impacting us further?

I believe that technology and automation can greatly improve the effectiveness and efficiency of research by providing access to larger amounts of data, and enabling more accurate and in-depth analysis. However, it’s important to remember that they are tools that should be employed responsibly, in conjunction with human oversight, expertise and critical thinking. This approach will ensure that the results are reliable, unbiased and used ethically.

Question #7: IIEX and GreenBook focus on the future of insights. What more do you think we can contribute?

Conferences like IIEX APAC can serve as a valuable platform for researchers, like me, to present their findings, exchange ideas and collaborate with peers in the field. Additionally, it also provides an opportunity for industry professionals to stay current on the latest technologies and methodologies, while also promoting the visibility and recognition of research from the Asia Pacific region among the international community. It is an ideal environment for professionals to share their knowledge and experience, and to learn from their peers in the field.