User research analyzes human behavior to expose the goals and motivations of people. But is the purpose of these insights really just a report to hand off to a design or engineering team? Kate Rutter says, "No!" She uses the analog favorites, pen and paper, as hands-on, visual tools to bring other stakeholders into the analysis process.

User research often catalogs findings and implications, but stops short of generating specific design improvements. Designers increasingly involved with contextual research may find themselves holding onto a trove of raw data but with little awareness of how to turn it into design. Steve Portigal introduces a framework for synthesizing raw data into a fresh, contextual understanding of a customer's unmet needs.

There are many ways to go about consulting, but how do you do it, and how do you do it successfully? Engineer and consultant John Carter says most consulting companies fail because they can not attract the clients who need their services. Failed strategies include calling on their former associates, attending networking events, and cold calling, and waiting for the phone to ring. The key to successful consulting is marketing, not selling.