Research, Tools, and Recalibration
As the project progressed, we refined our understanding of discussion guides, research tools, and sacrificial concepts. Initial overlaps between tools and guides led to confusion, which gradually clarified as we learned that tools are meant to engage users, while guides structure conversations. We identified around sixty vendor types and developed ten to twelve representative profiles for targeted interviews. Research tools included credit-ranking exercises, awareness pamphlets, role-playing AMC officials, and co-created journey and emotion maps. Sacrificial concepts such as assisted applications, voice interfaces, and simplified verification to develop trust and reduce strain. The process was iterative, marked by recalibration rather than linear progression.















