This episode dives into the familiar specifier experience of going down the research rabbit hole, or as the team calls it, “squirreling.” What starts as a simple product lookup can quickly turn into chasing ASTM references, code citations, performance data, and manufacturer documentation that leads in unexpected directions. Product research used to be limited to curated catalogs, while today’s unlimited online access makes it easy to keep digging long past the original question. Despite the humor, the conversation highlights a real tension: deep research builds expertise, but it can also consume time and distract from decision-making. Dave, Steve & Elias share how these detours often uncover useful knowledge that benefits other projects and reinforces the specifier’s role as a technical resource. The takeaway is not to avoid “squirreling,” but to recognize when it’s productive learning and when it’s simply wandering.
You may start down a rabbit hole...but you usually come back with something useful for the next project.
Industry insight:
Product research has expanded dramatically with online resources, increasing both opportunity and information overload for design and specification teams.
Practice takeaway:
Start product research with trusted directories or known sources such as 4spec.com and the Specifier Portal to avoid unnecessary time spent chasing irrelevant information.
Process lesson:
Following references such as ASTM standards and code citations can reveal critical requirements, but teams should define when research has reached sufficient depth for decision-making.
Risk or opportunity:
Excessive research can delay progress, yet strategic “squirreling” builds knowledge that improves future specifications and problem-solving.
People & culture:
Specifiers often serve as knowledge hubs for project teams, using accumulated research experience to guide architects, engineers, and owners toward informed decisions.