Study goals
The aim of the text is to investigate techniques and challenges in identifying clients’ needs in projects, based on interviews with specialists, highlighting the importance of effective communication and Design Thinking as facilitators of this process in different contexts.
Relevance / originality
The study’s relevance lies in showing how integrating effective communication and Design Thinking enhances identifying clients’ needs in projects, offering originality by combining qualitative insights from specialists with methodological integration to address diverse contextual and cultural challenges.
Methodology / approach
The research used a qualitative approach, conducting semi-structured interviews with 22 project management specialists from different sectors, analyzed through Grounded Theory, following open, axial, and selective coding, supported by MaxQDA software for systematic organization and interpretation of the collected information.
Main results
The study identified communication as the central element in identifying clients’ needs, highlighting Design Thinking as a facilitator. Integrating techniques, empathy, and digital tools proved effective in overcoming contextual and cultural challenges across different types and contexts of projects.
Theoretical / methodological contributions
The study contributes by showing how integrating effective communication, Design Thinking, and digital tools enhances the identification of clients’ needs, proposing a methodological model applicable to diverse contexts and expanding the literature on collaborative practices in project management.
Social / management contributions
The study offers practical contributions to management by proposing integrated approaches that strengthen communication and empathy in identifying clients’ needs, promoting more aligned solutions, greater stakeholder satisfaction, and increased chances of success across different types of projects.