Today our Lead Researcher Amy sent me this photo from her vacation. That’s her daughter—and OMG! Those Pixar eyes are real.

Why?
Because she’s just spotted a Lilo & Stitch eyeshadow palette.

This isn’t casual browsing. This isn’t just an, “Oh, how cute.”

This is:
I saw it. I want it. I have to have it.

This is the kind of wide-eyed, can’t-walk-away excitement that brands dream about.

And here’s the thing: it doesn’t happen by accident.

Brands that spark this level of emotional connection have usually done three things right:

1. They know emotional triggers

Not just demographics, but the exact cues — colors, characters, styles, and moments — that send their audience into “must-have” mode. We’re talking about the insights you only get from really understanding your customers: what they value, what delights them, and what makes them feel like they’ve found something meant just for them.

2. They make it love at first sight

Every element of the product or service — from packaging to placement to messaging — is designed for instant recognition and connection. When your ideal customer sees it, they don’t have to think twice.

2. They’ve tested the reaction before launch

They don’t cross their fingers and hope. They run concept tests, shelf tests, and message validation studies to measure not just interest, but intensity. Because there’s a big difference between “That’s nice” and “I need this right now.”

How top market research companies like Bixa find (and fuel!) the spark

At Bixa, we’re in the business of turning customer curiosity into commitment — the kind that drives real sales and long-term loyalty.

We do it by pairing qualitative research that uncovers why people buy with quantitative research that validates what matters most. It’s a mix that helps brands spot the ideas worth investing in, avoid costly missteps, and launch products or campaigns with confidence.

Here’s how we do it:

Qualitative Research for Emotional Triggers: In-depth interviews, focus groups, and ethnographic studies to uncover the stories, motivators, and unspoken needs that influence buying behavior.
Quantitative Research for Validation: Surveys, MaxDiff, and Conjoint Analysis to measure how different features, messages, and price points resonate — and to prioritize what really matters.
Concept and Message Testing: We test your ideas before you invest in them, using A/B testing, shelf simulations, and prototype evaluations to see how your audience reacts in realistic buying scenarios.
Audience Segmentation & Persona Development: We identify and profile your most valuable customer groups so you can tailor products and marketing strategies to the people most likely to buy.
Brand Perception and Positioning Studies: We measure how your brand is perceived today and find the gaps between where you are and where you want to be in your customers’ minds.

“The best brands don’t just happen to get noticed. They create that instant spark where customers think: ‘I NEED this in my life!” At Bixa, our job is to uncover the exact triggers that make that moment happen—and help our clients design for it every time.”

— Sarah Weise, CEO, Bixa Research

Why companies work with Bixa

For some teams, that means spending a few weeks in the field running in-depth interviews to get inside their customers’ heads. For others, it’s a large-scale survey using MaxDiff or Conjoint Analysis to prioritize features, messages, or price points. Sometimes it’s both — because the richest insights come when you pair the “what” with the “why.”

Over the years, we’ve worked with companies ranging from nimble startups to global names like Google, IBM, and Cvent. The industries, budgets, and timelines vary, but the reason they call us is almost always the same: they need clear, actionable answers to guide their next move.

And because no two clients are the same, our process isn’t one-size-fits-all. We adapt to your team’s needs, your decision-making style, and your market — so the research we deliver feels like it was built just for you.

Ready to see the spark in your customers’ eyes?

If you’re gearing up for a product launch, campaign, or brand refresh — and you want your customers to have that love-at-first-sight moment — we’d love to help make it happen.

At Bixa, we uncover the emotional triggers that drive buying decisions, validate your ideas with real data, and position your brand for maximum impact.

Use the calendar below to book a call with one of our senior researchers.

This is a no-pressure conversation designed to give you clarity on the best research approach for your project. We’ll listen to your goals, ask the right questions, and outline a plan. If it’s a fit, we’ll send over a proposal. If not, you’ll still walk away with a clear path forward.