What does online dress game, Stardoll and virtual world game, Second Life have in common with consumer insights? You might not think much, but actually there's a key link when it comes to personal expression. Today more than 2 billion consumers participate in virtual gaming communities using avatars to represent and express themselves. Participants create fantasy characters using menu options of physical traits and wardrobe. But, as it turns out, these avatars are not all about gaming and play (well maybe just a little). Recent research shows that an avatar's virtual appearance subconsciously signals important clues into the individual’s own and very real personality.
So what’s the link to consumer insights? Creative visualization and expression tools have proven to be an effective means of getting at richer insights. At BuzzBack, we use these daily to get consumers to holistically express themselves – both obviously and latently – to better understand their behaviors, choices and motivations. It's why we're proud to be part of the GRIT Top 50 as one of the most innovative companies in our sector. These conceptual ideas behind avatars are the foundation for what’s next in innovating our tools and techniques for consumer self expression.
One of the many new directions we're going in at BuzzBack - stay tuned to see what's next as we illustrate why we deserve to be on the GRIT...