Human-centred research
Studies designed around how people live, decide and experience systems — not around data extraction.
Our approach
What makes our research different
Evaluation frameworks, a standard delivery model, digital quality control and research ethics — applied to every study.
Principles
Four principles behind every study
Ethical and transparent practice
Informed consent, confidentiality and data integrity from scoping through dissemination.
Deep sectoral expertise
Research, public policy, analytics and implementation experience across development systems.
Action-oriented insight
Complex findings converted into recommendations usable by governments, funders and delivery teams.
“From crowded urban settlements to remote hamlets — data has meaning only when it reflects human experience.”
Evaluation competence
Evaluation frameworks we deliver
Programme evaluations across the full intervention cycle, and study designs for causal, longitudinal and synthesised evidence.
Across the programme cycle
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Before intervention
Baseline assessment
The present condition, benchmarked for indicator comparison before intervention.
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During implementation
Midline evaluation
A checkpoint on performance and implementation gaps, to inform course correction.
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After implementation
Endline and impact assessment
Efficacy, coverage and relevance measured against baseline for targeted populations.
Study designs
Randomised controlled trials
Control and intervention groups randomly assigned for causal evidence of impact.
Cohort study
Group comparison over time to relate exposure to long-term population outcomes.
Meta-analysis and systematic review
Qualitative and quantitative evidence merged for robust, generalisable conclusions.
Delivery model
Standard project implementation pathway
Four phases, each closing with defined deliverables for the client.
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Phase 1
Inception and desk review
Kick-off and approach alignment, desk review of data and literature, indicator criteria and geography strategy.
DeliverablesDraft inception report · work plan · desk review report
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Phase 2
Tool design and piloting
Questionnaires and guides finalised, regional language translation, CAPI development, pilot test and review.
DeliverablesFinal tools in English and local languages · CAPI instruments · pilot report
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Phase 3
Field preparation and data collection
Enumerator training and briefing, interviews per field movement plan, spot and back checks, daily server uploads.
DeliverablesCompletion report · daily activity summaries · live dashboard
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Phase 4
Analysis and reporting
Transcription and translation, analysis plan, framework and thematic analysis, triangulation, draft to final report.
DeliverablesTop-line findings · draft and final report · presentation deck
CAPI and quality assurance
Digital collection and quality control
Every interview moves through the same digital chain, with checks applied at each link.
- Step 1Respondent interview
- Step 2GPS capture
- Step 3Server upload
- Step 4Dashboard monitoring
Location validation
GPS confirms the interview location and monitors the interviewer's travel route.
Interview duration
Length checked against benchmarks; short interviews and rushing are flagged.
Response quality
Screening for straight-lining, open-ended review, and noted answers matched to actual responses.
Recording verification
Audio and video verify interview conduct within designated time windows.
Respondent verification
Socioeconomic categories verified, no-skips enforced, quotas validated against profile.
Daily oversight loops
Regular debriefs, server uploads, dashboard reports and activity summaries.
Research ethics
Ethical protocols and data protection
A rigorous ethical framework ensures respondent dignity, data protection and transparent engagement at every stage of every project.
Informed consent
Free, prior and informed consent based on a clear explanation of purpose, use and rights.
Voluntary participation
Freedom to decline or stop at any point. No persuasion, pressure or incentives.
Privacy and confidentiality
Identity held strictly confidential; interviews conducted in safe, private settings.
Respect and dignity
Respondents engaged as partners in the process, with cultural sensitivity throughout.
Safe environment
Physical and psychological safety verified before any interview commences.
Data integrity
Coding, validation and triangulation under ethical protocol. Zero tolerance for fabrication.
Work with us
Let evidence move from field to policy.
Share your terms of reference or a short brief. We'll respond with a preliminary proposal, scope and timeline.