Field research in NY City

April was a month of extensive international research for Hatch & Bloom’s design researchers. Besides London (read about Karina’s experiences below) we went to take a bite of The Big Apple. Doing field research in Dean & Deluca, Whole Foods Market, different delis and fabulous restaurants (the latter on our own expense, but none the less a sweet part of being researcher) we came close to the food trends, the up-coming products, and the latest of the greatest of packaging. We also had the time to squeeze in a couple of expert interviews, so all in all our heads were stuffed with inspiration when we left JFK Airport (ok, ok … our suitcases were stuffed, too. Gotta take advantage of that low dollar, right!).

What the business world needs ...

Posing for the camera: Partner and industrial designer Rikke Ullerslev from Made by Makers (right) and our very own Mette (left). On Monday they were special design guest stars at the Industry Summit 2008 that brings together fast moving companies in search of innovation, branding and a sunny spot in the marketplace. Some 150 top-notch people including the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, politicians, CEOs, professors and business developers attended the summit. An exciting event, but you get to thinking just how much the business world needs a boost of creative, energetic and to-the-point people like these two girls.

Field research in London

Last week Karina went to London to do field research for an international client. The goal? To find new, international food trends. And what better place than London! Above you see Karina visiting Tony in his apartment in fashionable High Gate. Tony is a successful businessman and restaurateur. He is 50 % Sicilian (see his mafia-like gesticulations), 50 % Londonian and 100 % food expert. Note how Karina takes notes, studies the food carefully and still manages to keep up a British stiff upper lip appearance. It takes an emphatic anthropologist to pull that off!

Overload

Due to the arrival of our newest and dearest employees Mads and Karina we are getting seriously overcrowded. Though we're trying to be neat and tidy our personal space is almost non-existing (as opposed to the level of noise). We might consider learning a thing or two from our releaxed friends in Thailand. They seem to know how to handle spacing problems. Maybe it's time to move the Hatch & Bloom operation to new surroundings?

PC Party LOL, LOL, LOL, ROLF

This weekend, Esben (on the right) – partner and head of our New Media – attended the annual “PC Party” (Esben’s 14th in a row). We’re talking 40 expert geeks locked in dark room for 72 hours of non-stop PC galore: Games, hardware showoff and nerd social interfacing. Events included “hard disc throw”, “Mentos-Cola Bombs” and multi game tournaments. ROLF (rolling on the floor laughing) and LOL (laughing out loud) are literally used phrases among participants. Imagine 40 people screaming LOL, LOL, LOL, ROLF, ROLF, LOL, ROLF, LOL, ROLF.

Warming up for destiny match

Normally we have an "almost non-alcohol policy" at Hatch & Bloom, but today we had to make an exception. Jacob was a total wreck. Our local soccer team AGF are playing with their backs against the wall tonight against Viborg! It's a battle between good and evil, between fame and oblivionce, between piece of mind and mental shock... and that's simply more than Jacob can handle on a Monday. If he is to return on his normal enthusiastic, creative and strategic mind level - AGF, you better f...... win tonight. Fingers crossed!

Welcome, Karina (and sorry)

Everybody, say hello to Karina Svanborg, our new anthropologist and design researcher. We really have been looking forward to Karina joining the team. In fact so much she worked from 08.00 to 23.30 on her first two days of work. Sorry, Karina. Deadlines are deadlines, but you proved right away that you are an invaluable expert and colleague.