AKUMEN LABS: Our Approach to Methodology
Our methodological approach is inherently multidimensional, collaborative, and context-sensitive. We develop research methodologies in close partnership with our clients, ensuring that each project is tailored to local realities, community needs, and organisational priorities. At the same time, we maintain a strong commitment to methodological rigour, quality assurance, and, most importantly, ethical integrity. Research involving people, particularly vulnerable groups, requires careful consideration, reflexivity, and responsibility (see the related knowledge snippet on Ethics in Evaluating Wellbeing).
The first stage of our research process involves a comprehensive literature and background review. This enables us to understand existing evidence, identify methodological precedents, and critically assess how similar challenges have previously been approached. Research strategy development is grounded in these insights. For example, in the Hepp research trial, we adopted and adapted a framework originally developed by Smith et al. (2017) to evaluate the impact of circus-based therapy programmes. Rather than replicating existing models, we draw from prior learning and reshape methodologies to fit the specific social, cultural, and organisational context of each project.
Research strategy development is also participatory in nature. We actively engage clients and stakeholders throughout the process, incorporating their priorities, concerns, and aspirations into the design of the research. While methodologies are adapted to context, we do not compromise on methodological depth. Our approach consistently combines both qualitative and quantitative methods in order to capture a fuller and more nuanced understanding of impact and experience.
Qualitative methods frequently include focus groups, semi-structured interviews, testimonials, and survey analysis. Alongside these approaches, we employ phenomenological methods that focus on lived experience and embodied interaction, as qualitative research profoundly benefits from phenomenology's well-articulated theoretical framework (Fernandez, 2020). This may involve observing participants’ actions, gestures, and interpersonal dynamics, alongside maintaining detailed observational logs. Such methods allow us to capture dimensions of experience that may not emerge through verbal data collection alone (Nikidehaghani, 2023).
Before any data collection begins, we undertake comprehensive risk assessments and establish risk mitigation strategies to safeguard all participants and researchers involved. Ethical considerations are vital when working with people (Clark, 2017) and are embedded throughout the entire research process, from design and recruitment to data handling, analysis, and dissemination. Ensuring participant safety, informed consent, confidentiality, and respectful engagement remains central to our practice.
Following data collection, we implement robust quality control procedures to ensure the integrity and reliability of findings. Verbal and qualitative data are carefully transcribed, organised, and analysed through systematic coding processes to minimise the loss of nuance and meaning. This enables us to generate evidence that is both rigorous and grounded in lived realities.
Equally important is the acknowledgement of research limitations. Reflexivity and critical evaluation are essential for continuous learning and methodological improvement. For us, research does not stand in isolation; it forms part of a broader process of reflection, adaptation, and long-term transformation. Our work seeks not only to evaluate existing conditions, but also to contribute to frameworks for future change. For example, in the Dolphin Square research project, we developed a framework and set of learnings around sustainable construction practices, while in the Hepp project we applied a Theory of Change approach to understand pathways of impact and development over time (Wilkinson et al., 2021).
Finally, we believe that knowledge should be both applicable and accessible. Research findings must be communicated in ways that engage diverse audiences and support practical action. We therefore disseminate knowledge through a variety of formats, including visualisations, graphs, knowledge snippets, articles, and visual media. Underpinning our work is the belief that the sharing of knowledge and collective learning is fundamental to meaningful societal transformation.
References
Clark, L. (2017). ‘Ethics of Working with Vulnerable Populations’, In The International Encyclopedia of Communication Research Methods (eds J. Matthes, C.S. Davis and R.F. Potter). https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118901731.iecrm0087
Fernandez AV. (2020) ‘Embodiment and Objectification in Illness and Health Care: Taking Phenomenology from Theory to Practice’, J Clin Nurs. 2020;29:4403–4412. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.15431
Smith, C., Roy, L., Peck, S., Macleod, C. (2017) ‘Evaluation of Program Quality and Social and Emotional Learning in American Youth Circus Organization Social Circus Programs’, American Youth Circus Organization, Research Gate
Nikidehaghani, M., Hui-Truscott, F., & Cortese, C. (2023). Researching vulnerable participants: The role of critical reflexivity in overcoming methodological challenges. International Journal of Market Research, 65(2-3), 237-258.
Wilkinson, H., Hills, D., Penn, A., & Barbrook-Johnson, P. (2021). Building a system-based Theory of Change using Participatory Systems Mapping. Evaluation, 27(1), 80-101.