Cluster analysis is a way of categorizing a collection of "objects," such as survey respondents, into groups or "clusters." Markets may be composed of distinct segments, consisting of customers who have different needs and desires, and who want products with different capabilities. Cluster analysis can be especially helpful in identifying potential market segments. Ensemble Analysis is a newer approach that leverages multiple cluster solutions (an ensemble of potential solutions) to find an even better, "consensus" solution.
Cluster/Ensemble analysis lets you see whether survey respondents "cluster" naturally into identifiable groups. You can use product preferences, desired benefits, usage habits, product requirements, or other variables to explore the underlying structure of your market.
Once identified, clusters can be used as filters (banner points) to examine their other characteristics in terms of demographic or lifestyle variables, product consumption, company size, SIC codes, etc. Cluster analysis can help identify market segments and evaluate their potential as targets for strategic marketing. It can provide insights into: how to position your products, opportunities for new products, targeting sales efforts, and distribution channels.
A known challenge is that every cluster analysis always produces clusters, whether there is any underlying structure in the data or not. Because we humans have the ability to read meaning into even the most random of patterns, the fact that a solution seems reasonable is no guarantee that the results would be reproducible with a different sample of customers.
Our Convergent Cluster & Ensemble Analysis (CCEA) System addresses this problem. CCEA automatically replicates each analysis 30 times from different random starting points. Each replication is compared to every other to assess its reproducibility. The most reproducible solution is chosen automatically, and its level of reproducibility is reported.
You can use CCEA with data from any source, so long as you format the data as .csv (comma-separated values) files.
Technical Paper
CCEA Technical Paper (2008)Lighthouse Studio is our industry leading Windows desktop survey software for powerful choice analytics.
Not sure you can run a conjoint study alone? Let our consulting team do the hard work for you!
Support: support@sawtoothsoftware.com
Consulting: analytics@sawtoothsoftware.com
Sales: sales@sawtoothsoftware.com