May is when I often feel the cost of irregular research. Teams have shipped enough to see patterns, but not always enough structured learning to explain them.
A better rhythm does not need to be heavy. A few recurring interviews, a monthly synthesis session, and a habit of reviewing support signals can change the conversation.
The value is continuity. When research happens only around major bets, teams miss the quieter friction that accumulates in the product.
I like research rhythms that are simple enough to keep. Steady learning beats occasional drama.