Quinn Labs · corrections
What Changed Our Mind
Research is only useful if it is allowed to disagree with you.
These are the occasions where evidence disproved an assumption we held, or pointed somewhere better.
We thought a compostable tennis ball tube was close.
What we learned
Today's compostable barrier materials cannot hold pressure for months.
Where it stands now
Filed under Not Yet, waiting on a barrier film that doesn't exist yet.
We thought a reusable compostable cold pack was mainly a design problem.
What we learned
It is fundamentally a materials challenge: repeated freeze–thaw cycles defeat bio-based films before the design matters.
Where it stands now
Research reframed around membranes and seals rather than pack shape.
We started by trying to reduce road rage.
What we learned
Anger was a symptom. The underlying problem was not knowing what other road users intend to do.
Where it stands now
The programme is about intent signalling and journey confidence, not behaviour policing.
We assumed material cost was the barrier to reusable transit packaging.
What we learned
Damage rates and the return leg decide adoption. Material cost barely features.
Where it stands now
Research moved to open-loop returns and vehicle-integrated protection.
We assumed the goal was replacing apps.
What we learned
People use apps because they work. Removing the interface removes the reassurance.
Where it stands now
Long-term research question only, with apps as the honest present-day answer.
We are not attached to being right. We are attached to learning.