While logistically it may be a viewing station, the back room can be an important tool for uniting stakeholders and ensuring impactful research.

The key to unifying research findings with stakeholder interpretations is to convert the back room into an ongoing synthesis venue.

Start the day by outlining 3–5 main questions – This step is essential. Before the first session starts, define three to five questions that are crucial to answer. Write them where any observer can easily view them. My personal preference is to do this on a whiteboard in a table format, with questions representing columns and participants’ names attached to rows. If a white board isn’t available, try using a shared document.

To successfully moderate the back room is to create a space where stakeholders not only view the research but also become a part of its analysis.

Hold a mini-debrief after each session

To ensure that everyone leaves with a single narrative, debrief at the end of the day.

In the spirit of communication, email your stakeholders a bulleted list of your summary within 24 hours of your research.

Every study has a back room, even if there is no one in it. And it is crucial to bring your stakeholders along on this research journey.