Founded in 2010 by Dr. Aaron Barth PhD, Dialectic creates profound impact for clients large and small – Global 500 companies, small to medium-sized enterprises, public-sector organizations, and non-profits. With a diverse team of researchers, strategists, designers, and thought leaders, Dialectic brings an unstoppable eye for detail and a commitment to delivering work that gets practical results to every client project.
Aaron Barth, Ph.D.
Founder and President
Aaron Barth is an innovator working at the convergence of science, smart design and technology to change behaviour and transform organizations.
His deep expertise in critical thinking, decision-making and problem-solving is grounded by a PhD in Philosophy from Western University. Inspired by the need for transformational, evidence-based solutions to business challenges, he left a burgeoning career in academia to launch Dialectic in 2010.
Barb Adams, Ph.D.
Director of Research
Cindy Holland
Director of Media Development
Melissa Horne, Ph.D.
Associate Director, Business Development
Alex Shave
Research and Creative Design
Jake Stallard
Interactive Media Developer
Whether working within a client’s brand guidelines or free from restrictions, Jake brings function, purpose and creativity to elevate every project.
Barb Adams, Ph.D.
Director of Research
Barb is an experienced researcher, writer and analytic integrator of information. Since receiving her Ph.D. in experimental social psychology from the University of Waterloo, Barb has specialized in group dynamics (e.g., trust and collaboration), decision-making under pressure, and organizational effectiveness. For more than 20 years, she has used evidence-based approaches to help businesses, social services, and defence and security agencies solve complex human problems.
Cindy Holland
Director of Media Development
Cindy has an unrelenting passion for all things creative. She earned her Advertising Diploma from Conestoga College, and she possesses a diverse skillset resulting from her extensive experience in the fields of graphic design, print production, and marketing. Her critical thinking and creative insight are integral to our products and to the unique customer experience we deliver.
Melissa Horne, Ph.D.
Associate Director, Business Development
Melissa is obsessed with the way that research and design interact to facilitate the transfer and mobilization of knowledge to affect behavioural change. Since receiving her Ph.D. in Modern U.S. History from Rutgers University, Melissa has parlayed her expertise in social justice movements, research, and curriculum design into development and prospect research work in the not-for-profit sector. Her strength lies in her dual ability to uncover new insights through research and analysis, and then translate findings into actionable design ideas.
Alex Shave
Research and Creative Design
Alex is a creative designer and researcher whose engaging, narrative-driven experiences empower audiences to make connections between big ideas and their day-to-day work. By leveraging the opportunities of new technology with timeless storytelling methods and structures, Alex delivers experiences that make a difference. Alex cut his teeth doing outreach and marketing for community-oriented non-profits and ethical retailers.
Jake Stallard
Interactive Media Developer
Jake is an award-winning designer with a passion for clean, functional design. A graduate of the Advertising program at Conestoga College, Jake’s analytical approach creates focused solutions. His editorial and in-house design experience brings a wide range of skills and experience to the Dialectic team.
Our blueprint for person-centred design
We’re able to bring an exceptional level of quality and practical impact to our work through our unique approach — a scientific and person-centred process we call I2E®, short for “Illuminate to Elevate”.
Our Strengths
Media Kit
