Instrata press releases

Press releases
If you would like any further information on the following, please email anita@instrata.co.uk
Predicting what mobile phone will do for us next
March 2009
In the fast moving world of mobile communications, it is tough to find innovation that goes beyond being just another gadget and truly enhances the user’s experience. Instrata and Cambridge Design Partnership worked together to find next generation innovations by starting with customer need rather than producing another invention for an already technology-driven market place.
Research paper available here
Social Networking - holding a mirror up to the way we live now?
December 2007
Social networking, Facebook in particular, is fast becoming a dominant force in shaping the way people stay in touch, organise and spend their leisure time. A research study by Instrata flagged up some issues arising from this change, whilst raising questions about whether it is changing segments of society or simply highlighting the way things already are.
Online improvements could lead High Street fight back
March 2007
It is impossible for most High Street retailers to compete with specialist online retailers on price alone. Online retail, currently worth £14bn a year in the UK, continues to grow exponentially. Most major High Street stores have developed online shopping sites, but Instrata's research suggests not only that they need to improve to compete with the online specialists, but that they are missing out on the unique and lucrative potential of a well integrated online and high street (offline) presence.

Translating Dating and Social Rituals into Successful Online Networks
February 2007
The rapid expansion of online social networks has led to the big corporations battling for market share. Success depends on an entire peer group using the same network. Instrata's report discovers how cultural factors, and metaphors of place play a key role in determining the features, look, and marketing that give the vital edge to customer attraction.
Lessons learned when communities go online
January 2007
The results of a project with the Local Heritage Initiative helping community groups to capture and share their work online.
China's IT sector is focussing on the user
June 2006
Dr Rachel Jones reports on the SESUN project user-centred design tour of China. She discusses high level of interest in UCD, and the comparable issues to those of practitioners in Europe.
Untapped Opportunity in Mobile Market
May 2006
Research results examining what consumers aged 30 and upwards really want from their mobiles. Identifies some consumer categories, and a desire for innovative mobiles that are easy to use without being basic.
Does Radio Have a Future?
November 2005
Issues raised by Instrata, when presenting at the annual Radio Academy conference "The Edge", concerning the impact of technological advances on radio services.
Grabbing a share of the mobile phone Christmas market
December 2004
3G phones - the importance of considering the customer when designing content and services.
Instrata in DTI mission to USA
September 2004
Report on the UK government Future of User-Centred Design Technology Mission to the US. Industry leaders, including Dr Rachel Jones, founder of Instrata, undertook a fact finding mission visiting corporations, design agencies and universities in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oregon and Seattle.
The influence of the older generation on younger mobile phone consumers
November 2004
Results of an ethnographic study into people aged 50 and over. A key finding was the high level of influence they have on determining the communication behaviour in younger people, through their place at the hub of family networks and connections.
Putting customers at the heart of product development
May 2004