---
title: How an innovation consultant can diversify your portfolio | PLAY
description: A team effort maximises your product launches, but how do you get everyone on board? We share our tips for fostering innovation with an innovation consultant.
image: https://www.playinnovation.com.au/hubfs/Stock%20Images%202/Portrait%20happy%20young%20woman%20thinking%20dreaming%20has%20many%20ideas%20looking%20up%20isolated%20grey%20wall%20background.%20Positive%20human%20face%20expression%20emotion%20feeling%20life%20perception.%20Decision%20making%20process%20concept.%20
---

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## psst! want to know how the industry typically innovates?

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# How to rally stakeholders to create a real “portfolio” of innovations (not just 28 line-extensions)

[![Arrow Down](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/2518731/_PlayMR%202020/Global/banner-arrow.png)](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/how-innovation-consultant-can-diversify-portfolio#next)

## How to rally stakeholders to create a real “portfolio” of innovations (not just 28 line-extensions)

by: **[PLAY](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/author/play)**

Producing line extension after line extension can feel like just that: drawing inside the lines. And isn’t innovation meant to be fun? A bit outside the box sometimes? Of course, simple extensions have their role in a healthy innovation portfolio, but when things start feeling stale, it’s likely time to mix it up.

A strong team effort is required to maximise profit from new product launches. But how do you get everyone on board with your next big idea?

In this article, we’re sharing top tips for fostering a culture of continuous innovation with the help of an innovation consultant, including the necessary mindset and behavioural shifts. Learn what it takes to deliver superior outputs through stakeholder alignment and company-wide creativity.

 

the innovation issue

Innovation is a uniting force for culture within a business. It crosses silos and provides reasons for different functions to come together and solve a common problem.

However, for most businesses, innovation exists beyond the day-to-day roles of those outside the core innovation team. This setup adds more work to people’s already packed schedules and makes innovation feel like more of a nuisance than a novelty.o prove it!), many generally lack time and direction.  
![A yellow sign warns of a “reality check ahead” in front of a sunny background.](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Stock%20Images%202/Reality%20Check%20Ahead%20road%20sign%20with%20sun%20background%20.jpeg?width=604&height=401&name=Reality%20Check%20Ahead%20road%20sign%20with%20sun%20background%20.jpeg)

why team up together?

You know how the saying goes: “many hands make light work”. When a cross-functional team with close ties to the core business comes together, innovation is much more efficient.

Incorporating the wider team into the process helps to:

1. Increase buy-in (and effort levels!)  
2. Boost the quality of ideas  
3. Deliver innovations grounded in business feasibility  
4. Strengthen company culture around innovation

Here’s what the folks at Harvard Business Review have to say about cross-functional teaming in this space.

> “The companies we’ve found to have the strongest innovation track records can articulate a clear innovation ambition; have struck the right balance of core, adjacent, and transformational initiatives across the enterprise; and have put in place the tools and capabilities to manage those various initiatives as parts of an integrated whole.”
> 
> — [Harvard Business Review](https://hbr.org/2012/05/managing-your-innovation-portfolio)

P.S. If this all seems like a mammoth feat, you might want to involve an experienced innovation partner to help align your team.

 

[![PLAY_Failing forward_Midstrip CTA_Orange](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/PLAY_Failing%20forward_Midstrip%20CTA_Orange.jpg?width=600&name=PLAY_Failing%20forward_Midstrip%20CTA_Orange.jpg)](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/art-of-failing-forward)

 

 

**making it happen**

When preparing to create a new product, we recommend all key stakeholders come together for a flurry of activity: Insights, Brand, Category, R&D, Factory, Pack and design agencies too! This kind of collaboration will accelerate the development and iteration of your proposition.

We also suggest incorporating the wider team early in the process. As always, prevention is better than cure. Preparation prevents poor performance.

As innovation consultants who’ve managed hundreds of FMCG projects, the PLAY way typically goes like this:

Stage 1: Innovation scoping and goal setting  
Here we execute stakeholder interviews, a strategy document review and an upfront workshop to define the scope of the project, set objectives and clarify metrics for success.

Stage 2: Idea development and prioritisation  
Together, we get your carefully-picked stakeholders to think more broadly (outside the box) with a range of smart facilitation strategies.

 

---

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---

 

![Innovation Manager looking up as she ponders potential project ideas that float overhead.](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/hubfs/Stock%20Images%202/Portrait%20happy%20young%20woman%20thinking%20dreaming%20has%20many%20ideas%20looking%20up%20isolated%20grey%20wall%20background.%20Positive%20human%20face%20expression%20emotion%20feeling%20life%20perception.%20Decision%20making%20process%20concept.%20)**our top innovation consulting techniques**

Ideation will go as far as scope allows (which could be “to infinity and beyond”, if you give us free rein!).

What might this look like? Here at PLAY, we leverage everything from creative hacks, ethnographic techniques and co-design facilitation to rapid prototyping, in-situ testing and lightning-fast market testing workshops. All these techniques ensure your team leaves pumped to excite stakeholders!

You will then want to interrogate and refine your ideas internally with stakeholders from the broader business. Challenging your initial concepts to understand their strengths and weaknesses delivers more definition and a sharper, stronger focus.

Don’t forget to capture next steps so that everyone is aligned at the end of the session. This move will maintain your momentum.

 

**collaboratively consumer-first**

By encouraging stakeholders to develop a shared sense of the importance of innovation and inspiring teams across the company to think consumer-first, you’ll produce more creative, valuable and profitable products.

If you’d like help bringing your business together to build a diverse mix of core, adjacent and breakthrough innovations (and even growth opportunities beyond the product!), [contact us here](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/contact). We can’t wait to hear from you.

#### read it, love it, share it.

about the author

### [PLAY](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/author/play)

As the experts in consumer-led innovation in FMCG, we partner with manufacturers and retailers to lift the productivity and effectiveness of their NPD. It’s all in how we blend innovation advisory with tailored consumer insight using an agile, consumer-first approach. Think of us like the connective tissue within your innovation process. We guide you at every step of the journey, helping you align, focus and develop ideas and products that sell.

###### ask the author

### categories

[the art of failing forward into successful NPD innovation](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/failing-forward-into-successful-npd-innovation)

[create a triple win by trying NPD “yes, and” with retail buyers](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/create-a-triple-win-by-trying-npd-yes-and-with-retail-buyers)

[recession proof: ramping up innovation during an economic downturn](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/recession-proof-ramping-up-innovation-during-an-economic-downturn)

[listen or lose! the consumer-led way to avoid new product disaster](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/listen-or-lose-the-consumer-led-way-to-avoid-new-product-disaster)

[an action plan for FMCG businesses to avoid the ACCC’s campaign against greenwashing](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/action-plan-avoid-campaign-against-greenwashing)

[wins & woes in online grocery shopping: the experts weigh in](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/wins-woes-online-grocery-shopping-trends)

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[The PLAY team’s top product picks for 2024](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/plays-2024-product-picks-0)

[smart choices in AI: how to evaluate consumer research AI tools](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/smart-choices-in-ai)

[the art of failing forward into successful NPD innovation](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/failing-forward-into-successful-npd-innovation)

### play perspectives

[get to market faster with innovation sprints](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/get-to-market-faster-with-innovation-sprints)

[reaching new highs: Australia's cannabis industry](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/australia-cannabis-industry-excerpt)

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## [busted: what consumers really think about popular product claims ![Arrow](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/hubfs/_PlayMR%202020/Solutions/arrow-left.png)](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/what-consumers-think-about-popular-product-claims)

## [retail trends 2020: a COVID-19 Christmas ![Arrow](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/hubfs/_PlayMR%202020/Solutions/arrow-left.png)](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/retail-trends-2020-covid-christmas)

## [our top 4 tips for running a remote innovation sprint ![Arrow](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/hubfs/_PlayMR%202020/Solutions/arrow-left.png)](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/running-a-remote-online-innovation-sprint)

## [hey Google, how do I use a smart speaker to enrich consumer research? ![Arrow](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/hubfs/_PlayMR%202020/Solutions/arrow-left.png)](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/how-to-use-smart-speakers-for-consumer-research)

## [how to find your product's sweet spot with rapid sensory research ![Arrow](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/hubfs/_PlayMR%202020/Solutions/arrow-left.png)](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/how-rapid-sensory-profiling-can-help-you-find-your-sweet-spot)

## [top natural trends for 2020 ![Arrow](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/hubfs/_PlayMR%202020/Solutions/arrow-left.png)](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/natural-trends-2020)

## [gen z to boomers: how to market to every age ![Arrow](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/hubfs/_PlayMR%202020/Solutions/arrow-left.png)](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/how-to-market-to-every-age-report)

## [the future looks rosé: top alcohol trends in a pandemic ![Arrow](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/hubfs/_PlayMR%202020/Solutions/arrow-left.png)](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/alcohol-trends-and-tips-for-a-post-pandemic-world)

## [video: all you need to know about in-home product testing in 3 minutes ![Arrow](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/hubfs/_PlayMR%202020/Solutions/arrow-left.png)](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/video-in-home-product-testing-101)

## [get to market faster with innovation sprints ![Arrow](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/hubfs/_PlayMR%202020/Solutions/arrow-left.png)](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/get-to-market-faster-with-innovation-sprints)

## [video: FMCG trends and tips to gain a competitive edge during a crisis ![Arrow](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/hubfs/_PlayMR%202020/Solutions/arrow-left.png)](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/fmcg-trends-tips-to-gain-a-competitive-edge)

## [how you can nail your online offering with digital shopper ![Arrow](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/hubfs/_PlayMR%202020/Solutions/arrow-left.png)](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/how-you-can-nail-your-online-offering-with-digital-shopper)

## [solved: how to build a powerful brand ![Arrow](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/hubfs/_PlayMR%202020/Solutions/arrow-left.png)](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/build-a-powerful-brand-report-excerpt)

## [3 ways sensory research safeguards success ![Arrow](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/hubfs/_PlayMR%202020/Solutions/arrow-left.png)](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/3-ways-sensory-research-safeguards-success)

## [the biggest alcohol trends for 2020 ![Arrow](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/hubfs/_PlayMR%202020/Solutions/arrow-left.png)](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/the-biggest-alcohol-trends-for-2020)

## [reaching new highs: Australia’s cannabis industry ![Arrow](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/hubfs/_PlayMR%202020/Solutions/arrow-left.png)](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/australia-cannabis-industry-excerpt)

## [innovating in a complex category ![Arrow](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/hubfs/_PlayMR%202020/Solutions/arrow-left.png)](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/case-studies/innovating-in-a-complex-category)

## [5 ways to deliver effective sensory research (without blowing the budget) ![Arrow](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/hubfs/_PlayMR%202020/Solutions/arrow-left.png)](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/5-ways-to-deliver-sensory-research-without-blowing-the-budget)

## [5 top tips for a successful seasonal pack promotion ![Arrow](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/hubfs/_PlayMR%202020/Solutions/arrow-left.png)](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/5-tips-for-successful-seasonal-packaging)

## [how to build a sensory story at the largest CLT facility in Australia ![Arrow](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/hubfs/_PlayMR%202020/Solutions/arrow-left.png)](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/sensory-research-largest-clt-facility-in-australia)

## [optimise path to purchase and protect your margins ![Arrow](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/hubfs/_PlayMR%202020/Solutions/arrow-left.png)](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/shopper-research-optimising-path-to-purchase-and-protecting-your-margins)

## [how eye-tracking will transform your shopper research ![Arrow](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/hubfs/_PlayMR%202020/Solutions/arrow-left.png)](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/eyetracking-will-transform-your-shopper-research)

## [why mini in-home usage trackers should be in your budget ![Arrow](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/hubfs/_PlayMR%202020/Solutions/arrow-left.png)](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/why-in-home-usage-trackers-should-be-in-budget)

## [stretching beyond a brand's heartland ![Arrow](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/hubfs/_PlayMR%202020/Solutions/arrow-left.png)](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/case-studies/stretching-beyond-a-brands-heartland)

## [Gen Z vs. Millennials: 6 ways they’re different ![Arrow](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/hubfs/_PlayMR%202020/Solutions/arrow-left.png)](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/gen-z-vs.-millennial-consumers-6-ways-theyre-different)

## [sustainability: getting the green light from consumers ![Arrow](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/hubfs/_PlayMR%202020/Solutions/arrow-left.png)](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/sustainability-getting-the-green-light-from-consumers)

## [how to minimise risk for new product launches ![Arrow](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/hubfs/_PlayMR%202020/Solutions/arrow-left.png)](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/case-studies/how-to-minimise-risk-for-product-launches)

## [how to effectively present and share insights within your organisation ![Arrow](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/hubfs/_PlayMR%202020/Solutions/arrow-left.png)](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/how-to-effectively-present-and-share-insights-within-your-organisation)

## [achieving faster sensory analysis with product clinics ![Arrow](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/hubfs/_PlayMR%202020/Solutions/arrow-left.png)](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/fmcg-research-achieving-fast-track-sensory-analysis-with-product-clinics)

## [5 ways to get your product into consumers' healthy routines ![Arrow](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/hubfs/_PlayMR%202020/Solutions/arrow-left.png)](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/fmcg-trends-how-to-get-your-product-into-consumers-healthy-routines)

## [getting into the online shopper's basket ![Arrow](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/hubfs/_PlayMR%202020/Solutions/arrow-left.png)](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/retail-trends-getting-into-the-online-shoppers-basket)

## [natural trends: connecting with these consumers ![Arrow](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/hubfs/_PlayMR%202020/Solutions/arrow-left.png)](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/fmcg-trends-connecting-with-your-consumers-its-only-natural)

## [FMCG trends: the future of soft drinks ![Arrow](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/hubfs/_PlayMR%202020/Solutions/arrow-left.png)](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/fmcg-trends-the-future-of-soft-drinks)

## [video: the benefits of making market research more human ![Arrow](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/hubfs/_PlayMR%202020/Solutions/arrow-left.png)](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/video-research-the-benefits-of-making-market-research-more-human-case-study)

## [concept testing: the basics ![Arrow](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/hubfs/_PlayMR%202020/Solutions/arrow-left.png)](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/concept-testing-the-basics)

## [sensory research: back to basics ![Arrow](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/hubfs/_PlayMR%202020/Solutions/arrow-left.png)](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/sensory-research-the-basics)

## [alcohol trends: tapping into health conscious drinkers ![Arrow](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/hubfs/_PlayMR%202020/Solutions/arrow-left.png)](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/alcohol-trends-tapping-into-health-conscious-drinkers)

## [innovation research: consumer-led product design ![Arrow](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/hubfs/_PlayMR%202020/Solutions/arrow-left.png)](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/innovation-research-consumer-led-product-design)

## [packaging research: back to basics ![Arrow](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/hubfs/_PlayMR%202020/Solutions/arrow-left.png)](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/packaging-research-the-basics)

## [FMCG trends: the rise of small, innovative wellness businesses ![Arrow](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/hubfs/_PlayMR%202020/Solutions/arrow-left.png)](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/fmcg-trends-the-rise-of-innovative-niche-wellcare-players)

## [FMCG trends: adapting to an older market ![Arrow](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/hubfs/_PlayMR%202020/Solutions/arrow-left.png)](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/fmcg-trends-adapting-to-an-older-market)

## [FMCG trends: the snacking revolution ![Arrow](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/hubfs/_PlayMR%202020/Solutions/arrow-left.png)](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/fmcg-trends-the-snacking-revolution)

## [shopper trends: the changing face of Australia ![Arrow](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/hubfs/_PlayMR%202020/Solutions/arrow-left.png)](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/shopper-trends-the-changing-ethnic-face-of-australia)

## [retail trends: leveraging the Chinese 'daigou' shopper opportunity ![Arrow](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/hubfs/_PlayMR%202020/Solutions/arrow-left.png)](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/retail-trends-leveraging-the-chinese-daigou-shopper-opportunity)

## [FMCG trends: adapting to plant-based consumer demand ![Arrow](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/hubfs/_PlayMR%202020/Solutions/arrow-left.png)](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/fmcg-trends-adapting-to-plant-based-consumer-demand)

## [packaging research: the e-commerce difference ![Arrow](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/hubfs/_PlayMR%202020/Solutions/arrow-left.png)](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/packaging-research-the-e-commerce-difference)

## [shopper research: applying semiotics for packaging success ![Arrow](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/hubfs/_PlayMR%202020/Solutions/arrow-left.png)](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/shopper-research-applying-semiotics-for-packaging-success)

## [shopper research: how fear influences purchase decisions ![Arrow](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/hubfs/_PlayMR%202020/Solutions/arrow-left.png)](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/shopper-research-how-fear-influences-purchase-decisions)

## [product testing: start ABC testing your product ![Arrow](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/hubfs/_PlayMR%202020/Solutions/arrow-left.png)](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/product-testing-what-is-abc-testing)

## [shopper research: packaging - mind hack your shopper ![Arrow](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/hubfs/_PlayMR%202020/Solutions/arrow-left.png)](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/shopper-research-packaging-mind-hack-your-shopper)

## [product testing: is an in-home usage test the solution? ![Arrow](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/hubfs/_PlayMR%202020/Solutions/arrow-left.png)](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/product-testing-is-an-in-home-usage-test-the-solution)

## [shopper research: the paradox of choice ![Arrow](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/hubfs/_PlayMR%202020/Solutions/arrow-left.png)](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/shopper-research-the-paradox-of-choice)

## [putting sydney’s paddy’s market on the map ![Arrow](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/hubfs/_PlayMR%202020/Solutions/arrow-left.png)](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/case-studies/putting-sydneys-paddys-market-on-the-map)

## [coffee: enabling a strategic product call at lightning speed ![Arrow](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/hubfs/_PlayMR%202020/Solutions/arrow-left.png)](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/case-studies/enabling-a-strategic-product-call-in-less-than-24-hours)

## [wild turkey bourbon wins with new pack design ![Arrow](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/hubfs/_PlayMR%202020/Solutions/arrow-left.png)](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/case-studies/wild-turkey-wins-with-new-pack-design)

## [market segmentation: the Millennial mishap ![Arrow](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/hubfs/_PlayMR%202020/Solutions/arrow-left.png)](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/market-segmentation-the-millennial-mishap)

## [the beginner's guide to: animated concept testing ![Arrow](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/hubfs/_PlayMR%202020/Solutions/arrow-left.png)](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/the-beginners-guide-to-animated-concept-testing)

## [co-creation: the secret to better packaging design ![Arrow](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/hubfs/_PlayMR%202020/Solutions/arrow-left.png)](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/co-creation-the-secret-to-better-packaging-design)

## [packaging matters: new 'country of origin' food labels ![Arrow](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/hubfs/_PlayMR%202020/Solutions/arrow-left.png)](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/packaging-matters-new-country-of-origin-food-labels)

## [naming research: is your product name a winner? ![Arrow](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/hubfs/_PlayMR%202020/Solutions/arrow-left.png)](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/naming-research-is-your-brand-name-easy-to-digest)

## [food trends: the reduced sugar rush ![Arrow](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/hubfs/_PlayMR%202020/Solutions/arrow-left.png)](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/food-trends-the-reduced-sugar-rush)

## [chocolate trends: a sweet or sticky situation? ![Arrow](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/hubfs/_PlayMR%202020/Solutions/arrow-left.png)](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/chocolate-trends-a-sweet-or-sticky-situation)

## [it's 'go time' for convenience retailers ![Arrow](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/hubfs/_PlayMR%202020/Solutions/arrow-left.png)](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/its-go-time-for-convenience-retailers)

## [online qual research: context collapse ![Arrow](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/hubfs/_PlayMR%202020/Solutions/arrow-left.png)](https://www.playinnovation.com.au/blog/online-qual-research-context-collapse)

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{
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}
```