A model for exploring a decision.
A customer simulation uses a model to estimate how a defined audience might respond to a question, concept, message, or offer. It is useful for comparing directions and uncovering questions to investigate. It is not a new conversation with a real participant.
The audience matters. A simulation aimed at your ideal customers should account for their roles, circumstances, priorities, and relationship to the decision. A broad description of a market can miss the very differences your team needs to understand.
Where it can help.
- Explore the objections a message may create.
- Compare alternative ways of describing a product.
- Identify gaps to address in the next research study.
- Help a team or agent form a more focused question.
Keep the specific decision visible. A useful simulation helps choose a next step; it should not create a false impression that all uncertainty has disappeared.
Stay connected to real people.
New interviews can reveal changes in buyer priorities or situations a model does not yet explain. Gather connects simulations with a continuing interview process so understanding can evolve with the audience.
Before making a costly or difficult-to-reverse decision, consider what new evidence would change your mind. Read the comparison of interviews and simulations.