I'd like to find out a bit more about the processes of design research from beginning to end, when looking at the standard process for service design, it goes 1) Explore 2) Create & Reflect 3) Implement.

Are there any specific processes within "Explore", with the idea that it is not about trying to find the solution immediately but rather about finding the problem first. Does anyone think that research or the researchers can operate in isolation, as a separate part of the process with limited input in further stages, or would it be ideal that the researchers are also the service designers? To put it another way, how easy would it be to outsource the research and then integrate it later - how would you include the research company in the process?

I suppose STBY would be a good company to look at. How do they do it, what projects do they get involved in, who do they work with (brands or service design agencies) and how far do they go in their work?