Build a useful investigation brief
Trace the evidence chain
For each theme, link the original observation, participant or setting, method, and analyst note. Reconstruct the situation and outcome. Remove duplicate notes that came from the same episode so repetition is not mistaken for independent support.
Compare context and method
Check how the theme changes across user groups, research rounds, and methods. Ask whether a word appears often while the underlying behavior differs. Record a counterexample and any source that is less reliable or less directly relevant.
Test the theme boundary
Split, merge, rename, or retire the theme and explain the evidence for the choice. Draft a question that could distinguish competing interpretations. Keep unresolved disagreement attached to the theme rather than forcing a single conclusion.
What to carry forward
The investigation brief should contain an evidence chain, context comparison, counterexamples, and the reasoning behind the theme boundary. End with a sharper theme or a research question. Do not present analyst clustering as direct participant consensus.
Technical background: IDEO design thinking guidance.
Keep the decision with the work.
Use a Work Item in Aglet to record the problem, the evidence you have, and the next decision. Add an owner and priority, then keep updates in the discussion so the next person can follow the reasoning.
Create an account See the product workflow