Founded in 2004, our mission is to shed light on the human experience.
We unveil the underpinnings of human behavior in order to make people’s lives easier, more efficient, and joyful.
Who We Are
We are a diverse smorgasbord from all different disciplines- from anthropology, to design and strategy- but what unites us is insatiable curiosity, tenacious problem-solving, and a penchant for earnest collaboration. These underlying principles permeate everything we do.
We are experts in research and design, but as our name implies, we all have vim and vigor for life. We are marathoners, triathletes, skiers, mountain-climbers, adventurers, authors, inventors, and parasailers. We bring energy and enthusiasm to everything we do!
How We Work
Working together as one team from discovery through ideation and prototyping allows clients to understand first-hand the insights behind our solutions and enable them to better evangelize and support the outcomes within the organization.
We take pride in being a nimble group fully dedicated to your project’s needs and timeline. With more than 20 years of research and innovation experience across global industries for top Fortune 100 companies, we have a proven track record.
Founder
Stephanie Carter Barry
Throughout her career, Stephanie has been on the leading edge of innovation, working for clients such as Old Navy, Pepperidge Farm, Pfizer, McDonalds, LensCrafters, WellPoint, Zurich, and American Airlines. Her specialty lies in the interpretation of consumer insights to create new business concepts, products and processes.
Stephanie has worked at some of the premier innovation and market research firms, namely Doblin and Cheskin, leading a wide range of domestic and international projects centered on new product development, innovation strategy, and customer experience.
Previously, as a management consultant for PricewaterhouseCoopers, Stephanie focused on customer relationship management, helping companies redefine customer service and developing systems and processes that support a comprehensive consumer experience. Stephanie started her career as a fashion designer for infant and toddler clothing, managing all phases of the product development process from strategic design direction through prototype completion. This experience honed her skills in identifying and applying trends to the nuances of different market segments amidst quick cycle innovation processes. Stephanie’s blend of creative and analytical skills makes her an invaluable researcher and strategist. She holds a BA in design from Cornell University and an MBA from the University of North Carolina.