So What? Summary

Usually you will write an end of study report for your research, and an executive summary. A So What? Summary would compliment these, translating the research findings into useful implications.

People want to know that rigorous research is available, but they do not necessarily want to read it all themselves. Your So What? Summary should contain enough essential information to hook people in, and clear signposting to where they can find out more. It cannot, and should not, include everything.

Your summary should be no more than 800 words (two sides of A4) and be possible to read in 5 minutes or less
Include details of your research process and findings and clearly signpost to available reports
Use graphics and visuals wherever possible to summarise information
Use bullets and white space, do not just shrink your font to squeeze more words on!
State key messages first that answer the question of ‘What difference does your research make?’ at a glance
Do not use jargon. If you use abbreviations write them in full on the first occasion
Identify key words that can be used to tag your summary and outputs

Barriers

Writing a concise summary, and understanding the implications for practice and use of your research, takes time and skill, consider using your network members to help develop your summary (see Network Building).

A ‘So What? Summary’ will not contain all the relevant information, so could be interpreted incorrectly.

Enablers

Translating research into useful implications increases relevance and accessibility, thereby increasing the chances of getting research used.

Content in a concise, well written ‘So What? Summary’ of your research will be recyclable time and time again.

Summaries will improve access to, and increase engagement with your research.

Required Skills, Competencies or Resources

Co-produce your summary - developing with end users wherever possible

Clear, concise writing

Images, graphics and design skills are required to produce an engaging product

What to Measure?

Increased coverage on media and social media

New collaborators for future work

Contacts from people or groups wanting to know more

Number of downloads and copies distributed

So What? Summary

Barriers

Enablers

Required Skills, Competencies or Resources

What to Measure?

Can be integrated at the following stages of the research process: