Case Studies

Synthetic panels in action

Three worked examples showing how Panel Studio replaces traditional focus groups, conjoint studies, and creative testing. Real scenarios, real numbers, real reasoning traces.

Case Study 01

UK retailer tests 4 packaging designs across 8 demographics

Challenge

A mid market UK grocery retailer needs to test 4 packaging concepts for a new own brand range across 8 demographic segments before committing to production. The traditional approach: 8 focus groups at £5,000 each = £40,000 and 6 weeks of fieldwork, recruitment, and analysis.

Panel Studio Approach

Build a 400 person UK panel (50 per segment) using census weighted demographics. Run 4 stimuli (one per packaging design) with A/B split across segments. Each persona evaluates the design through its DYNAMICS-8 personality profile, producing a reasoned response with causal traces.

Results

Design C wins overall but Design A outperforms in the 25 to 34 high impulsivity segment. Reasoning traces show Novelty (N) drives preference in younger segments while Discipline (D) drives preference in over 55s. The retailer can now target packaging by store demographic mix rather than picking one design for every location.

20 min
Total time
< £50
Total cost
Causal
Reasoning depth
Case Study 02

Fintech tests subscription pricing across 5 European markets

Challenge

A fintech startup needs to set pricing for a budgeting app in UK, Germany, France, Netherlands, and Sweden. They need to understand willingness to pay by market and personality type. Traditional conjoint studies across 5 countries would cost upwards of £150,000 and take months.

Panel Studio Approach

Build 5 country specific panels (100 personas each) with census weighted demographics and country appropriate cultural norms. Run conjoint analysis with 3 price points and 4 feature bundles. Each persona responds based on its economic context, media diet, and DYNAMICS-8 profile.

Results

UK and Netherlands tolerate premium pricing. Germany shows strong Discipline driven price sensitivity. Sweden responds to social proof framing. Reasoning traces reveal Mercuriality (M) is the primary driver of price resistance across all markets: high M personas switch providers more readily regardless of country. The startup can now set per market pricing with personality targeted onboarding flows.

45 min
Total time
< £100
Total cost
Per market
Pricing strategy
Case Study 03

Ad agency compares 3 campaign concepts before client presentation

Challenge

A London agency has 3 creative concepts for a car manufacturer. They need data to recommend one, not just creative opinion. The client expects evidence. Traditional pre testing would delay the pitch by 3 weeks and cost £25,000 or more.

Panel Studio Approach

Build a 300 person panel matching the target demographic (age, income, region, car ownership history). Run all 3 concepts as stimuli. A/B test across personality segments to identify which concept resonates with which audience.

Results

Concept B wins on engagement but Concept A produces stronger purchase intent in high Discipline segments (the most likely buyers). Reasoning traces show Concept B activates Impulsivity (I) (short term excitement) while Concept A activates Discipline (D) (long term value perception). The agency recommends Concept A with data showing it converts the audience that actually buys cars.

30 min
Total time
< £75
Total cost
Causal
Recommendation basis

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