Close-Up Research is an ethnographic research and insight-led storytelling practice. We specialise in lived experience – spending time with people in their everyday environments to make sense of how they think, feel and behave. Our insights and films help organisations design, evaluate and communicate better policies, products and services.
For over 20 years, our research has spanned the public, private and third sectors across key areas including: Young People | Older People | Health & Wellbeing | Community & Place | Energy & Environment | Tech & Product Innovation | Employment & Financial Wellbeing.
Alongside core ethnography, we also offer: diary studies, vox pops, public dialogue filming, podcasts, photography, animation, co-design workshops, training and consultancy.
Below are some examples of our work on energy & the environment.
ENERGY CUSTSOMER LIVED EXPERIENCE
WHAT ARE ENERGY CONSUMERS’ ATTITUDES TO ‘NET ZERO’? / OFGEM
We spent a year following the experiences of eight people across the UK, to understand how energy use fits into their lives. They sent through diary updates every month, and we checked in by video call at the start, middle and end of the year. To coincide with the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26), we also asked them what they thought about ‘Net Zero’. This edit of their responses was shown at the conference.
WHAT’S BEEN THE IMPACT OF THE ‘WARM HOME DISCOUNT’ / OFGEM
OFGEM’s ‘Warm Home Discount’ scheme offers a range of advice and initiatives to help people, particularly low-income or ‘vulnerable’ customers, better manage their gas and electricity usage. This is one of four ethnographic studies we produced, exploring: customer lifestyle, household energy use, financial management, and engagement with energy advice.