Richard Babick, President

Rick founded Design Research in October, 1998. For more than 30 years, Rick has spent his professional time engaged in research relating to design intensive products and brands. He is also the founder of Design Research Reports, Inc., a sister company that produces syndicated studies of retail sales data.

Prior to founding Design Research, he spent 16 years as head of market research for Lenox, Inc. At Lenox, he led a staff of ten that conducted more than 75 studies per year, half of which were design tests. At its height, his group supported more than 6 divisions and 15 brands in multiple countries and multiple channels of distribution. The design testing system that Rick created while at Lenox led the company to the number one share position in multiple product categories.

Prior to Lenox, Rick worked for Remington Business Systems, Inc. Rick is a graduate of Seton Hall University and holds a master’s degree from The Graduate School of Rutgers University.

Janine Finkle, Vice President of Market Intelligence

Janine Finkle is a veteran at improving products and brands via comprehensive market analysis coupled with a deep understanding of American consumers. She is a passionate trendspotter in fashion and the home, as well as cultural and generational trends. As Vice President of Market Intelligence for Design Research, Janine’s expertise in consumer insights helps companies understand and manage the ever-changing consumer marketplace.

Prior to joining Design Research, as Director of Market Research at Lenox, Inc., Janine worked closely with both senior management and the Board of Directors in developing Strategic Business Plans that were in-line with consumer desires as well as market demands.

Janine began her career at Opinion Research Corporation in Princeton, New Jersey. There she became skilled in advanced statistical research methods such as conjoint, segmentation, price sensitivity measurement, gap analysis, factor analysis, and discriminant analysis.

Janine graduated from The College of William and Mary with a B.B.A. in Business Marketing.

Elaine Weigle, Director of Information Services

Elaine Weigle has been in the Information Technology field for more than fifteen years. As a developer and Project Manager, she developed and managed software applications for several casinos, including Resorts Atlantic City, Harrah’s Entertainment, and Trump Taj Mahal.

Prior to joining Design Research, as a Manager of Technical Services at Bally Technologies, Inc., a gaming company that makes slot machines and software systems for hundreds of casinos across the world, Elaine developed custom software applications and oversaw multiple project resources for Bally customers, including a $1.5 million project for a customer with 15 casinos.