Abstract: A method of evaluating a candidate for participation in a survey by obtaining, over an electronic network, information describing the candidate, categorizing the candidate, determining if adding the candidate would increase the population in a group beyond a specified threshold, and conditionally excluding the candidate. Otherwise, allowing the candidate to participate in the survey and obtaining preferential information describing the candidate's affinity for one or more decision objects.

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.