Qualitative User Insight Study

Stephanie Thoma
Qualitative Research & Founder Advisor

Decision-ready insight for founders.
I design and lead qualitative research studies that uncover what’s actually driving user behavior- so you can make clear, confident product and messaging decisions.

What This Solves

Most teams know what users are doing—but not why.

This leads to:

  • strong features that don’t convert
  • messaging that doesn’t land
  • growth that stalls despite effort

This work surfaces the thinking behind user behavior- so you can see where product, messaging, and experience are misaligned, and what to change.

Start With This

Focused Research Engagement

Engagements are focused, time-bound, and typically begin at $5,000.

A structured study designed to uncover what’s actually happening beneath user behavior- so you can make decisions from actual insights.

This often includes comparing how different user segments experience your product (e.g. power users vs disengaged users) to identify what’s driving engagement, hesitation, and drop-off.

This Work Surfaces:

• The gap between perceived and actual value
• Where users hesitate—and why
• What’s driving retention vs disengagement

Why This Matters

Most teams rely on surveys and analytics.

But those show what’s happening- not why.

This work uncovers the thinking behind user behavior, so decisions aren’t based on assumptions.

What This Reveals

• Behavioral patterns not visible in analytics
• The reasoning behind user decisions
• Where messaging breaks down
• Clear direction for product and positioning

Case Study

Consumer App

Insight
Users weren’t lacking interest, they weren’t seeing the core value early enough.

Result
• Refined positioning
• Clear onboarding direction
• Product decisions aligned with actual user behavior

Client Feedback

“Stephanie’s work gave us clear direction on our messaging and product decisions incredibly valuable for our next stage. We also appreciated how she kept things moving quickly throughout the process.”

— Founder, Consumer App

Brands Supported Include (though boutique agencies)

Optional Add-On

Live Intercept Research (NYC)

Real-time, on-site interviews capturing immediate reactions, motivations, and behavior.

Includes:

• On-site recruitment
• Live interviews
• Rapid synthesis

This is For You If

• Early to growth-stage startups
• Consumer and community products
• Founders preparing for scale or repositioning

Why This Matters

Most teams rely on:

  • Surveys
  • Analytics
  • Assumptions

→ This reveals what’s actually happening beneath the data.

Ready to Explore?

Book a strategy call to determine if this is the right fit for your stage.