Market research insights & perspectives
How Accelerant thinks about research, in our own published work. Methodology, sample quality, and getting to a rigorous answer on a real timeline.
September Ad Test Results: Comparing Ad Angles Head-to-Head
At Accelerant Research, we regularly test ads to uncover what really drives performance with consumers using our proprietary Agora USA research panel. This September, we ran a three-week series of head-to-head ad tests. Each week, we compared two ads from the same brand to isolate the impact of...
Developing a Strong Market Research Strategy: Key Steps for Success
Market research remains one of the most powerful tools for organizations to understand their audiences, anticipate change, and make confident decisions. A thoughtful research strategy not only uncovers valuable insights but also helps companies reduce risk, spark innovation, and drive growth.
How to Sell a "Boring" Product: Finding Brand Differentiators Where You Least Expect Them
Toilet paper, dish soap, insurance, office supplies, the world runs on products most people consider boring. But boring doesn't mean forgettable. Some of the most successful companies thrive in categories that feel like a sea of sameness. The challenge? Standing out. The opportunity? Using...
2025 and Beyond: The Evolving Landscape of UX Research and Digital Experience
As we reflect on our industry predictions from the start of 2025, it's clear that many of the trends we anticipated have not only persisted but accelerated, reshaping how organizations approach user experience research and digital transformation. The landscape is more dynamic than ever, driven...
Branding Backlash: What Cracker Barrel, Target, and Bud Light Can Teach Us About the Power of Market Research
In recent months, three household names, Cracker Barrel, Target, and Bud Light, have found themselves at the center of public firestorms. Each case unfolded differently, but all carried the same lesson: when companies underestimate how deeply customers connect with a brand's identity and values,...
Beyond the Chatbot: The Hard Truths About Building a World-Class AI Shopping Assistant
The conversation around AI in retail has reached a fever pitch. Once a novelty, the AI-powered shopping assistant is now a strategic imperative. The promise is immense: a truly one-to-one shopping experience, where every customer is guided by a personal concierge that understands their needs,...
August Ad Test Results: Brand Reputation and Celebrity Power in Advertising
At Accelerant Research, we regularly test ads to uncover what really drives performance with consumers using our proprietary Agora USA research panel. This August, we ran two head-to-head comparisons that shed light on two timeless advertising questions: Does brand prestige matter? and Does a...
The Price of Uncertainty: Adjusting Brand Messaging Amid Tariffs and Shifting Consumer Confidence
As we move through 2025, consumer sentiment is being shaped by a complicated mix of optimism and unease. Inflation has slowed from its peak, but the cost of essentials, food, housing, healthcare, remains stubbornly high. Interest rates have begun to stabilize, yet borrowing still feels expensive...
Investing in the Future: How Accelerant Is Leading the Way with Self-Funded Research
At Accelerant Research, we've always believed that innovation starts with curiosity, and that the best research doesn't just answer questions, it sparks new ones. That's why we're taking a proactive approach to shape the future of our industry by launching self-funded research initiatives in two...
The Innovator's Blind Spot: Why Your Next Growth Strategy is a Multi-Million Dollar Gamble in Disguise
In every successful organization, there comes a moment of uncomfortable truth. The core business, the engine that powered years of reliable growth, begins to show its age. The symptoms are subtle at first, then undeniable: customer acquisition costs are creeping up, marketing spend yields...
Inclusion by Design: Making Research Accessible to All
At Accelerant Research, we believe that truly human-centered research must be inclusive of all humans. That means ensuring people with disabilities, whether visual, auditory, cognitive, motor, or otherwise, are not only represented in research but are able to participate with dignity, clarity,...
The AI Imperative in Retail: Moving From 'If' to 'How' for Unmatched Customer Experience
In every boardroom and on every earnings call, AI is the topic of the hour. But for leaders in the consumer and e-commerce space, the conversation has matured past the initial hype. The defining question is no longer "What can AI do?" but rather, "How do we deploy it strategically to solve our...