Abstract: A framework is provided for building a visual representation of a product concept including a textual component and/or a graphical component. A first element within one of the textual component and the graphical components is designated as a first dynamic element. A second element within one of the textual component and the graphical component is designated as a second dynamic element. The first dynamic element is associated with a first variant list. The second dynamic element is associated with a second variant list. A constraint is associated between at least a first element variant and at least a second element variant. A selection of a first element variant from the first variant list and a second element variant from the second variant list are received. A first instantiation of the visual representation is generated including the first element variant and the second element variant based upon the constraint.

Abstract: The invention provides techniques for building multiple predictive models of individuals' affinities for attributes of objects and/or services. The accuracies of multiple predictive models are measured and the models are combined based on the measurements, resulting in a more accurate predictive model of individual-specific affinities for attributes of the objects and/or services.

Abstract: The invention involves generating and presenting, typically electronically, a number of design alternatives to persons who are participating in the design, selection, or market research exercise. The participants (referred to as “selectors”) transmit data indicative of their preferences among or between the presented design alternatives, and that data is used to derive a new generation of design alternatives or proposals. The new designs are generated through the use of a computer program exploiting a genetic or evolutionary computational technique. The process is repeated, typically for many iterations or cycles.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for conducting market research and developing product designs. The methods involve generating and presenting, typically electronically, generations of design alternatives to persons participating in the design, selection, or market research exercise. The participants transmit data indicative of their preferences among or between the presented design alternatives. Some of the data is used to conduct a conjoint analysis or non-convergent exercise to investigate the drivers of the preferences of the group or its members, and at least a portion are used to derive follow-on generations of design alternatives or proposals. The follow-on designs are preferably generated through the use of an evolutionary or genetic computer program, influenced by the participants' preferences.