Business Matters

Why Investment in Your Firm’s Brand is an Important Part of Your Growth Strategy

Insight industry growth expert Paul Griffiths explores the most cost-effective and easily executed ways to grow your research partner brand. Regardless of whether you are a qualitative solopreneur, part of a small qualitative shop, or the leader in a large agency, there are ways you can build brand salience and make sales activity more impactful that don’t require big marketing budgets. […]

Schools of Thought

Life’s Hallways: The Role of Liminality in Consumer Decision-Making A new way of thinking about customer journeys

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. […]

Global

The Evolving Landscape of Global Tourism: Uncovering Hidden Connections with Semiotics

Explore how the global tourism landscape is changing, driven by new traveler segments, the rise of culturally immersive destinations, and the influence of the creative economy. Delve into the importance of semiotics and cross-cultural understanding in crafting meaningful travel experiences while addressing the challenges of overtourism and the need for ethical tourism practices. […]