Participatory Research, Generational Insights, & Futurism

Quick Project Overview

This project, in partnership with dcdx and AARP, investigates how Gen Z perceives aging and what triggers early future-planning behaviors. Using participatory, Gen Z-native research methods, the work aims to generate actionable insights that inform brand strategy, intergenerational connection, and long-term civic and cultural planning. It reflects my broader practice of bridging design research, foresight, and youth-centered systems change.

• Context & Background

  AARP wanted to better understand Gen Z’s perceptions of aging and life planning to evolve its role as more than a “someday brand.” This meant exploring how cultural, technological, and generational forces shape early planning behaviors.

• Collaborators & Partners

  • dcdx

  • AARP

  • Gen Z participants (18–28, diverse across geography, identity, income)

• My Role

  As the principal strategist for this project, I led the design of participatory research methods, integrated trauma-informed approaches, and synthesized insights into strategic frameworks, making recommendations on strategy based on insights for AARP.

• What We Did

  • Co-designed Gen Z-native research methods (TikTok, Discord, Instagram, Subreddits)

  • Developed screener (n=85), discussion guides for interviews and group chat queries, and Instagram Poll.

  • Ran 12 one-on-one confessional interviews + one-week group chat with 8 participants

  • Applied trauma-informed facilitation practices to deepen openness

  • Synthesized findings via narrative mapping, social listening, and cultural insight frameworks

• Impact

  • Developed secondary research database spanning hundreds of synthesized and annotated sources on Gen Z perspectives, identities, and key experiences.

  • Developed a Gen Z Aging Perception Framework with actionable trigger points for when planning behaviors start

  • Delivered strategic brand insights for AARP positioning

  • Strengthened dcdx’s reputation in youth-driven futures research

• Tools Used

  Notion | Miro | Slack | Google Forms | Google Hangouts | Tl.dv | Canva | Narrative mapping | Social listening | Trauma-informed research design

Reflections & Insights

TBA (status ongoing)

Status / What’s Next: Research in Progress