QRCA Views Winter 2024

As consumers transition through life’s milestones—whether turning 50, becoming a parent, or retiring—they enter a liminal state, caught between who they were and who they are becoming. This fascinating article explores how these threshold experiences shape decision-making and behavior, often creating moments of uncertainty or hesitation. By understanding liminality, market researchers can uncover deeper consumer motivations, enhance customer journey mapping, and identify new opportunities to support consumers in these transitional phases. From hallways cluttered with old shoes to the design of luxury resorts, this piece reveals how physical and symbolic spaces impact identity shifts—and how brands can leverage these insights for more meaningful engagement. […]

Researchers are wired to anticipate, expect, and confirm patterns—confirming biases that can compromise research quality and limit new insights. Author Andrew Grenville shows us how to avoid these pitfalls and provide more effective research by incorporating diversity, doubt, and checklists into our work. […]

Emmanuel Probst talks with Zoë Billington about the role of research and insights in building and evolving brands that stand out while making a positive impact on consumers and society. […]