Samsung Solve for Tomorrow
Power Up Research
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Overview
Great ideas don’t just appear out of nowhere – they build on what’s already out there. If you want your tech-for-good solution to stand out, you need to know:
- What solutions already exist
- What new technology is emerging
- What people want more or less of
Research helps you avoid reinventing the wheel and spot gaps others have missed. It can also spark ideas that are fresh but realistic.
In this video, Megan from Team Repair – alumni of the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow UK programme – explains how research helped shape their award-winning app that teaches young people STEM and sustainability through repairing electronics.
Case study
Samsung smart fridges help save food
| Challenge: | Samsung conducted research to better understand issues related to food waste. They found out that 42% of food is thrown away in Britain and that herbs, ready meals, sauces and condiments were the most wasted products. This issue strains our wallets, hurts the planet and leaves two-thirds of Brits feeling guilty. |
| Solution: |
The research team dug deeper to learn that much of the waste was a result of incorrect storage and losing track of food at the back of the fridge. These insights were passed on to designers, who developed new features that help people fight food waste and save money:
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Top tips to find and fill the gaps
According to Federico Casalegno, the VP of Design at Samsung, “The role of the designer is to ask the right questions.”
Use the questions below to get started and then start asking your own!
LEARN MORE: Samsung asked thousands of customers what they want from AI homes, and then they listened.
Know what’s out there
- Search for existing products that solve similar problems
- Ask: What do they do well? Where do they fall short?
- Look at reviews – real user feedback reveals gaps
Spot the gaps
- Identify problems competitors haven’t solved
- Think about barriers like cost, accessibility or sustainability
- Ask: How could my idea remove these barriers?
Explore new tech
- Check trusted sources for emerging technologies
- Use AI or research tools to summarise articles – but fact-check everything
- Ask: Could this tech make my solution smarter, greener or more inclusive?
Combine insights
- Use competitor research and tech trends together
- Aim for ideas that are original but realistic
- Ask: Does my idea offer something new and useful?
Quick checklist for your idea
- Have you researched existing solutions?
- Do you know what users like and dislike about them?
- Have you explored new tech that could improve your idea?
- Does your solution stand out and solve a real gap?
Career spotlight
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“Research provides a basis for everything we do here in Design. Whether statistical data, interviews with customers or experts or even learning key design influences, it all gives your project, idea or product a foundation for existing. Begin with diverse references and inspiration – think beyond your idea to every possible large-scale influence, then start narrowing down. I research by travelling to European design fairs, reading cultural and design publications or reports and attending conferences on technology, society and design. This allows me to study people’s lives, which is so fascinating.” |
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