RESEARCH & INSIGHTS
INFORMING DECISIONS
Understanding how people think, feel and make decisions provides organisations with the confidence to plan, communicate and lead effectively.
At Affect Media, we specialise in qualitative research that helps organisations uncover the human stories behind the data. Through stakeholder consultation, focus groups, interviews and ethnographic research, we explore the experiences, motivations and behaviours that shape communication, services and organisational outcomes.
Our work combines academic research expertise with practical consulting experience, translating evidence into strategies that are meaningful, actionable and built for real-world impact.
The best decisions are grounded in human insight
WHY QUALITATIVE RESEARCH?
Not every question can be answered with numbers.
Qualitative research helps organisations understand the experiences, motivations and behaviours that influence how people engage with services, organisations and communities.
By listening carefully and analysing patterns of meaning, organisations gain richer insight into what matters most to the people they serve. These insights strengthen strategy, improve communication and reduce the uncertainty that often surrounds complex decisions.
ACADEMIC RIGOUR
Research is more than collecting information.
It requires thoughtful questions, careful analysis and the ability to interpret findings within their broader social and organisational context.
Led by Dr Leanne Downing, a PhD-qualified researcher with extensive experience across universities, healthcare, education and strategic communications, our research combines academic rigour with practical consulting expertise.
Drawing on qualitative inquiry, stakeholder engagement and ethnographic approaches, we uncover insights that help organisations communicate more effectively, develop stronger strategies and make evidence-informed decisions with confidence.
OUR RESEARCH SERVICES
QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
In-depth research that explores behaviours, experiences, motivations and decision-making through interviews, focus groups and thematic analysis.
Explore Qualitative Research Strategies →
CONSULTATION
Meaningful stakeholder consultation and engagement with staff, clients, patients, students, community members and sector partners to inform planning and strategic decision-making.
Explore Stakeholder Consultation→
FOCUS GROUPS
Professionally facilitated focus groups that explore perceptions, test ideas and generate practical insight.
Explore Focus Groups→
STAKEHOLDER
Research that examines how people experience organisations, services and environments in everyday contexts, revealing insights often missed by traditional research methods.
Explore Ethnographic Research →
ETHNOGRAPHY
Understand the needs, expectations and decision-making processes of the audiences you serve.
Explore Ethnographic Research→
INSIGHTS
Transform complex research findings into practical reports, strategic recommendations, business cases and communication resources that support action.
Explore Research Translation→
RESEARCH IN PRACTICE
Living, Dying and Grieving Well
Palliative Care Victoria engaged Affect Media to undertake stakeholder consultation with clinicians, patients and families to develop its flagship community resource.
The project combined qualitative interviews, thematic analysis, writing and strategic communication to produce a publication that continues to support end-of-life conversations across Victoria.
RELATED CAPABILITIES
Designed to work together.
OUR APPROACH
Discover
Clarify the questions your research needs to answer.
Engage
Consult the people whose experiences and perspectives matter most.
Analyse
Identify patterns, themes and opportunities through rigorous qualitative analysis.
Translate
Turn insight into practical recommendations that support communication, strategy and organisational decision-making.
INDUSTRIES WE SERVE
- Healthcare organisations
- Universities
- Peak bodies
- Professional associations
- Government agencies
- Research institutes
- CEOs and executive teams
- Professional service firms
VIEW OUR CASE STUDIES
- Palliative Care Victoria
- UNSW / AAPI
- Monash University
- Benevolent Society
- Deeble Research Institute
- RMIT
- La Trobe
Good research answers questions. Great research reveals the questions worth asking
WHY AFFECT MEDIA?
Research that bridges academia and practice.
Few communications consultancies offer genuine research capability.
At Affect Media, research is led by Dr Leanne Downing, whose background spans academic research, strategic communications and organisational consulting.
This combination allows us to move beyond surface-level findings, uncover meaningful human insight and translate evidence into practical strategies that organisations can confidently implement.
Whether we’re facilitating focus groups, consulting stakeholders or exploring lived experience through qualitative research, our focus is always the same: helping organisations understand people better so they can make better decisions.
FAQs
What is qualitative research?
Qualitative research explores people’s experiences, behaviours and motivations through methods such as interviews, focus groups and observation. It helps organisations understand why people think and act the way they do.
Do you facilitate focus groups?
Yes. We design, facilitate and analyse focus groups for healthcare, education, government and community organisations.
What is stakeholder consultation?
Stakeholder consultation involves engaging the people affected by a project, service or decision to better understand their perspectives, needs and priorities.
What is ethnographic research?
Ethnographic research examines how people interact with services, organisations and environments in real-world settings, providing rich insight into lived experience and behaviour.
Can you prepare research reports?
Absolutely. We develop executive reports, consultation findings, white papers, business cases and strategic recommendations that translate research into practical action.
Which sectors do you specialise in?
Our research experience spans healthcare, education, government, universities, not-for-profit organisations and professional services.
BUILD IDEAS
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TALK TO OUR DIRECTOR
+61 0406 251 406