Design Research
Qualitative design research. Global and local cultural investigation. From the streets of New York City, barrios of Caracas, or the gaming dens of Singapore - Infornographic is an on-demand, on-the-ground global subject matter explorer.
Caracas by drone, Artigas, Caracas - Miguel Angel Hurtado 2018
Subject Matters.
Context Matters.
At the core of every customer, every individual, are the range of human motivations shaped by our vastly different historically social, environmental, and political realities. Understanding these realities, these contexts, expands and deepens our relationship with people where we actually are, underneath the data – in human terms.
Infornographic travels the world exploring both entrenched and nascent cultures and subcultures, identifying (and honoring) local traditions and taboos, as close to firsthand as possible. These studies inform guidance on avoiding unintended consequences and optimal next steps, resulting in actionable opportunities for intercultural exchange, understanding, collaboration, and mutual benefit.
Ask us to ask the right questions.
Infornographic’s rare multicultural sensitivity and versatility gives a valuable global perspective to the most local of things.
Available for both short or long term subject matter study.
Sample Reports
A naming, branding and product taxonomy report for inclusive and sustainable brand Proto Collective
Selected Subject Areas
All photos & direction @2024 Miguel Angel Hurtado
Ethnographic Research
With utmost care and respect for local customs and traditions, Infornographic interviews and documents the people behind the personas – finding the common ground underneath all of us. With a seasoned cultural sensivity and human centered approach, Infornographic gets under the fingernails shining light on people’s needs, grievances and celebrating their triumphs.
Geopolitics / Conflict
Having worked firsthand with international conflict journalists, Infornographic stays enthusiastically conscious and aware of global affairs. Beyond staying on top of international geopolitical tides, maintaining relationships with international vendors and clients, Infornographic takes responsibility in learning as much as it can about global history, traditions, cultures as well as their political and environmental challenges – as a true global citizen.
Ethical AI & Technology
Infornographic is active in the organized academic, professional and popular concern for ethical use of technology, both old and new. With the rise of AI in every aspect of our lives, Infornographic participates with watchdog organizations who work to help design better, more equitable algorithms for better, more equitable socioeconomic outcomes.
Global Urban Culture / Fashion
NYC, Tokyo, London, Paris, Osaka, Infornographic was part of the global influencing of street art and fashion from its cultural epicenters. Infornographic has at various times done creative work for Supreme, Issey Miyake, Nike, House of Marley, Zoo York, and STAPLE Pigeon and was instrumental in rebranding and reintroduction of the pioneering Japanese heritage denim brand Evisu.
Digital Media / Content Delivery
Infornographic helped design Viacom’s digital music service Urge, adopted by Microsoft, then ran both the global creative and product design department of Rhapsody/Napster. Most recently Infornographic lead the UI design for Kiswe, a world record breaking app platform for interactive online events for BTS, the Olympics, Justin Bieber, and Queen among others, and creatively managed the web launch of the Obama’s production company Higher Ground Media.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Infornographic has advised at executive levels the importance of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the American workplace. Co-founding the Diversity and Inclusion Committee at an 80+ employee company hosting monthly multicultural speakers on the topics of social and restorative justice, race and gender equality, and celebrating the various cultures present in our workplaces and global markets.
Documentary Photography
An ardent documenter of the world (illdefined.com), Infornographic thrives on finding meaning and narrative documenting the streets of North and South America, Europe and Asia during both good and challenging times. Knowing and using the right equipment for each situation and environment, the goal is never to pose, impose or disturb, but to record, empathize and begin to understand.
Professional and Consumer Travel Goods
Infornographic has traveled extensively evaluating product and development firsthand throughout Asia, the Global South and Middle East. For their Able Archer project Infornographic personally oversaw factory capabilities in Singapore, China and Vietnam, and tested their line of heavy duty accessory products on the ground, in context, in Venezuela, Brazil, Turkey and Egypt.
Automotive Culture / Electric Vehicles
Enthusiasts of international import and domestic car and motorcycle culture, Infornographic is fluent in the history of JDM, drifting, rally, import tuning, American Muscle, F1, BMX, and cafe racing among others. Beyond staying on top of the latest automotive and motorcycle design trends, Infornographic watches intently the environmentally historical move to electric vehicles of the future and their true impact on climate and green energy.
Otaku / K-Pop Asian Consumer Culture
Living and working in Asia at various times, having worked with BTS and their world dominating record label HYBE, from anime and manga otakus, weebs and K- and J- pop culture stans, Infornographic investigates the impact of the asian culture dominance over global audiences.
Screen Stories
Infornographic reviews and consults on optioned treatments, screenplays and manuscripts for both film and gaming – challenging story and outdated character tropes, pushing for originality, and authentic human relationships.
Gaming / AR / VR / MR
Having designed, written, developed and tested games for XBOX, Infornographic has a long history and fluency in PC and console gaming, experimenting with pioneering new gaming and productivity platforms in virtual, augmented, and mixed reality.
World Music
Steeped in the nexus of afro-caribbean and latin american music cultures, Infornographic was an early active partcipant in the international Dancehall scene in NYC and Japan. Now following the convergence of globalized world music of Bhangra and Reggaeton with pop music from Africa, Infornographic studies the evolution and global takeover of Afrobeats and Amapiano music.
Modern Sexuality
Infornographic investigates the changing boundaries of modern sexuality, exploring the controversies and public rise of polyamory, sex positivity, new power dynamics and gender agnosticism.
Modern Spirituality
Infornographic further investigates the recent revival of spiritual wellness, meditation, and traditional eastern and western mysticism taking over social media, fueling the explosion of new personal coaching practices and solopreneurships.
