The Research Mindset – A Superpower for Problem Solving
By Abhishek Jaiswal, PGDIM, IIM Mumbai, Lead Product Manager, Globus Learn Corp
What is Research?
Every person of my age group who grew in the 90s in India and has ever heard of the word ‘Research’ used to think research means doing something in the laboratory as words like research and experiment were used interchangeably. It was only in the university years when most of us realised that research can be done on many different things and it just requires a curious bent of mind and asking questions that matter. As a child, my mother used to tell me that everything that is around us has been created by somebody which led me to think if I will be able to create something of value someday. Research, I later realized, is exactly that – a way to create something new or valuable which humanity is either not aware or has not been explored before.
Why research?
Over time, I realised that no meaningful progress- in knowledge or technology – happens if we do not try multiple times and make amends every single time. It just needs open mindedness and ability critique everything does not seem right to you. Be it traditional beliefs, human nature or things that surround us, research begins when we question what doesn’t seem right.
I remember wondering in school days, that why most sports shoes are always so heavy and why they most of them look the same. It was only later that I realised that lighter sports shoes can also be made with advanced polymers which feel lighter on feet. This is when I realised that research could solve complex problems whose solution we do not have currently and if we think hard enough and question enough, we can arrive at a solution which could be of immense value to mankind. Performing research not only promotes independent thinking it could set you up for lifelong learning.
Where it applies?
Research is not limited to science labs. There is no dearth of the fields where research can be applied – Science and Technology, Business and Startups, Education, Climate, social impact amongst other fields. People have created new forms of shampoo and hair care products that are built for a specific hair type using research and development otherwise these people were forced to use generic hair care products that did not work for them. We see the impact of research in the world of formula 1 racing where in the past decade cars have transformed from fuel guzzling pieces of technology to modern hybrid engine powered beasts and the result in real world is for the world to see. All of this was started by somebody who was willing to ask new questions sitting in his room and imagining what was possible.
Final Thoughts
Research is not a birth right of scientists or PhDs – it is a mindset. One that values depth of thinking more than speed. It might be your chance to shine next and create something that the world will notice.