---
title: How to Simplify Complex Consumer Data with Insight Platforms
description: Insight Platforms have published an article written by FlexMR's Emily James, who explores how to analyse and simplify complex consumer data.
image: https://resources.flexmr.net/hubfs/Marketing_Files/Resources/Image_Cards/60157_MEDIA%20SUMMARY%20-%20how%20to%20analyse%20and%20simplify%20complex%20consumer%20data.png
---

close

## Ready to level up your insights?

Get ready to streamline, scale and supercharge your research. Fill out this form to request a demo of the InsightHub platform and discover the difference insights empowerment can make. A member of our team will reach out within two working days.

close

## Cost effective insights that scale

Quality insight doesn't need to cost the earth. Our flexible approach helps you make the most of research budgets and build an agile solution that works for you. Fill out this form to request a call back from our team to explore our pricing options.

[![FlexMR logo](https://www.flexmr.net/skin/images/images-custom/2b221b67-b091-4584-9017-872ee2ddf960-logo.svg)](https://www.flexmr.net/)

Book a Demo Request Pricing [Contact Us](https://www.flexmr.net/contact/)

Menu

- [Home](https://www.flexmr.net/)
- [InsightHub](https://www.flexmr.net/insighthub/) 
    - [What is InsightHub?](https://www.flexmr.net/insighthub/)
    - [Data Collection](https://www.flexmr.net/insighthub/data-collection/)
    - [Data Analysis](https://www.flexmr.net/insighthub/data-analysis/)
    - [Data Activation](https://www.flexmr.net/insighthub/data-activation/)
    - [Research Templates](https://blog.flexmr.net/topic/survey-templates/)
    - [Information Security](https://www.flexmr.net/insighthub/information-security/)
- [Services](https://www.flexmr.net/services/) 
    - [Our Expert Services](https://www.flexmr.net/services/)
    - [Support & Education](https://www.flexmr.net/services/support-and-education/)
    - [Consultative Services](https://www.flexmr.net/services/consultative-services/)
    - [Insight Delivery](https://www.flexmr.net/services/insight-delivery-services/)
    - [Research Methods](https://www.flexmr.net/methods/)
    - [Sectors We Work With](https://www.flexmr.net/sectors/)
- [About](https://www.flexmr.net/about/) 
    - [About Us](https://www.flexmr.net/about/)
    - [Leadership](https://www.flexmr.net/about/leadership/)
    - [Meet the team](https://www.flexmr.net/about/meet-the-team/)
    - [Advisory Board](https://www.flexmr.net/about/advisory-board/)
    - [Press & Media](https://resources.flexmr.net/tag/press)
    - [Accolades](https://www.flexmr.net/about/accolades/)
    - [Careers](https://www.flexmr.net/about/careers/)
- [Blog](https://blog.flexmr.net/)
- [Resources](https://resources.flexmr.net)
- [Contact](https://www.flexmr.net/contact/)
- [Book a Demo](https://resources.flexmr.net/)
- [Request Pricing](https://resources.flexmr.net/)

- [Home](https://www.flexmr.net/)
- [InsightHub](https://www.flexmr.net/insighthub/) 
    - - [What is InsightHub?](https://www.flexmr.net/insighthub/)
          - [Data Collection](https://www.flexmr.net/insighthub/data-collection/)
          - [Data Analysis](https://www.flexmr.net/insighthub/data-analysis/)
          - [Data Activation](https://www.flexmr.net/insighthub/data-activation/)
          - [Research Templates](https://blog.flexmr.net/topic/survey-templates/)
          - [Information Security](https://www.flexmr.net/insighthub/information-security/)
    - ![Camp InsightHub](https://resources.flexmr.net/hubfs/Website_Files/Images/Navigation/camp_insighthub_nav.png)
      
      Embark on a new adventure. Join Camp InsightHub, our free demo platform, to discover the future of research.
      
      
      
      [Sign Up Today](https://insighthub.flexmr.net/users/new)
    - ![FlexMR InsightHub](https://resources.flexmr.net/hubfs/Website_Files/Images/Navigation/insighthub_screenshot.png)
      
      Read a brief overview of the agile research platform enabling brands to inform decisions at speed in this PDF.
      
      
      
      [Download Brochure](https://resources.flexmr.net/hubfs/Public_Files/InsightHub_Brochure.pdf)
    - ### InsightHub on the Blog
      
      
      
          - [Surveys, Video and the Changing Face of Agile Research](https://blog.flexmr.net/surveys-video-changing-agile-research)
          - [Building a Research Technology Stack for Better Insights](https://blog.flexmr.net/research-technology-stack)
          - [The Importance of Delegation in Managing Insight Activities](https://blog.flexmr.net/delegation-importance-insight-activities)
          - [Common Insight Platform Pitfalls (and How to Avoid Them)](https://blog.flexmr.net/platform-pitfalls-how-to-avoid-them)
- [Services](https://www.flexmr.net/services/) 
    - - [Our Expert Services](https://www.flexmr.net/services/)
          - [Support and Education](https://www.flexmr.net/services/support-and-education/)
          - [Consultative Services](https://www.flexmr.net/services/consultative-services/)
          - [Insight Delivery Services](https://www.flexmr.net/services/insight-delivery-services/)
          - [Research Methods](https://www.flexmr.net/methods/)
          - [Sectors We Work With](https://www.flexmr.net/sectors/)
    - ![FlexMR Services Team](https://resources.flexmr.net/hubfs/Website_Files/Images/Navigation/services.jpg)
      
      Our services drive operational and strategic success in challenging environments. Find out how.
      
      
      
      [Download Brochure](https://resources.flexmr.net/hubfs/Public_Files/Brochures/FlexMR_Services_Brochure.pdf)
    - ![Video Close Connection Programme](https://resources.flexmr.net/hubfs/Website_Files/Images/Navigation/video_services.jpg)
      
      Close Connections bring stakeholders and customers together for candid, human conversations.
      
      
      
      [Read Press Release](https://resources.flexmr.net/close-connections-launch)
    - ### Explore our Practices
      
      
      
          - [Communities Practice](https://www.flexmr.net/insighthub/)
          - [Closeness Practice](https://www.flexmr.net/practices/customer-closeness/)
          - [CX Practice](https://www.flexmr.net/practices/customer-experience/)
          - [Insight Communications Practice](https://www.flexmr.net/practices/insight-communications/)
- [About](https://www.flexmr.net/about/) 
    - - [About Us](https://www.flexmr.net/about/)
          - [Leadership](https://www.flexmr.net/about/leadership/)
          - [Meet the Team](https://www.flexmr.net/about/meet-the-team/)
          - [Advisory Board](https://www.flexmr.net/about/advisory-board/)
          - [Press & Media](https://resources.flexmr.net/tag/press)
          - [Accolades](https://www.flexmr.net/about/accolades/)
          - [Careers](https://www.flexmr.net/about/careers/)
    - ![FlexMR Credentials Deck](https://resources.flexmr.net/hubfs/Website_Files/Images/Navigation/flexmr_credentials.png)
      
      The FlexMR credentials deck provides a brief introduction to the team, our approach to research and previous work.
      
      
      
      [Download Credentials](https://resources.flexmr.net/hubfs/Public_Files/Brochures/FlexMR_Credentials.pdf)
    - ![FlexMR Insights Empowerment](https://resources.flexmr.net/hubfs/Website_Files/Images/Navigation/insights_empowerment.png)
      
      We are the insights empowerment company. Our framework addresses the major pressures insight teams face.
      
      
      
      [Download Brochure](https://resources.flexmr.net/hubfs/Public_Files/Brochures/Insights_Empowerment_Brochure.pdf)
    - ### Latest News
      
      
      
          - [Insight as Art Shortlisted for AURA Innovation Award](https://resources.flexmr.net/aura-innovation-award-2021)
          - [FlexMR Launch Video Close Connection Programme](https://resources.flexmr.net/close-connections-launch)
          - [VideoMR Analysis Tool Added to InsightHub](https://resources.flexmr.net/videomr-launch)
          - [FlexMR Makes Shortlist for Quirks Research Supplier Award](https://resources.flexmr.net/quirksmr-mr-supplier-award-2020)
- [Blog](https://blog.flexmr.net) 
    - - [Latest Posts](https://blog.flexmr.net)
          - [Strategic Thinking](https://blog.flexmr.net/topic/strategic-thinking)
          - [Technology & Trends](https://blog.flexmr.net/topic/tech-trends)
          - [Research Methods](https://blog.flexmr.net/topic/research-methods)
          - [Practical Application](https://blog.flexmr.net/topic/practical-application)
          - [Insights Empowerment](https://blog.flexmr.net/topic/insights-empowerment)
          - [View Full Blog Archives](https://blog.flexmr.net/all)
    - ![FlexMR Close Connection Programme](https://resources.flexmr.net/hubfs/Website_Files/Images/Navigation/close_connection.png)
      
      Discover how to build close customer connections to better support real-time decision making.
      
      
      
      [Build Connections](https://blog.flexmr.net/practical-support-real-time-decisions)
    - ![Market Research Playbook](https://resources.flexmr.net/hubfs/Website_Files/Images/Navigation/market_research_playbook.png)
      
      What is a market research and insights playbook, plus discover why should your team consider building one.
      
      
      
      [Discover Playbooks](https://blog.flexmr.net/market-research-playbook)
    - ### Featured Posts
      
      
      
          - [Five Strategies for Turning Insight into Action](https://blog.flexmr.net/5-strategies-turn-insights-into-action)
          - [How to Design Surveys that Ask the Right Questions](https://blog.flexmr.net/effective-survey-design-guide)
          - [Scaling Creative Qual for Rich Customer Insight](https://blog.flexmr.net/scale-creative-qual-rich-understanding)
          - [How to Measure Brand Awareness: The Complete Guide](https://blog.flexmr.net/measure-brand-awareness)
- [Resources](https://resources.flexmr.net) 
    - - [All Resources](https://resources.flexmr.net)
          - [Client Stories](https://resources.flexmr.net/tag/case-studies)
          - [Whitepapers](https://resources.flexmr.net/tag/whitepapers)
          - [Events & Webinars](https://resources.flexmr.net/tag/events)
          - [The Open Ideas Panel](https://ideas.flexmr.net/auth/sign_in)
          - [InsightHub Help Centre](https://help.flexmr.net/en)
          - [FlexMR Client Network](https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9165407/)
    - ![Insights Empowerment Readiness Calculator](https://resources.flexmr.net/hubfs/Website_Files/Images/Navigation/insights_calculator.png)
      
      The insights empowerment readiness calculator measures your progress in building an insight-led culture.
      
      
      
      [Get Your Score](https://resources.flexmr.net/insights-empowerment-calculator)
    - ![MRX Lab Podcast](https://resources.flexmr.net/hubfs/Website_Files/Images/Navigation/flexmr_podcast.png)
      
      The MRX Lab podcast explores new and novel ideas from the insights industry in 10 minutes or less.
      
      
      
      [Listen Now](https://resources.flexmr.net/mrx-lab-podcast)
    - ### Featured Stories
      
      
      
          - [Specsavers Informs Key Marketing Decisions with InsightHub](https://resources.flexmr.net/specsavers)
          - [The Coventry Panel Helps Maintain Award Winning CX](https://resources.flexmr.net/coventry-building-society)
          - [Isagenix Customer Community Steers New Product Launch](https://resources.flexmr.net/isa-insights)
          - [Curo Engage Residents with InsightHub Community](https://resources.flexmr.net/curo)

![flexmr_resources](https://resources.flexmr.net/hs-fs/hubfs/Marketing_Files/Blogs/Headers/flexmr_resources.png?width=1900&name=flexmr_resources.png "flexmr_resources")

# Resources

## Recent Resources

- Filter By Type

[Press](https://resources.flexmr.net/tag/press)

# How to Simplify Complex Consumer Data with Insight Platforms

![How to Analyse and Simplify Complex Consumer Data](https://resources.flexmr.net/hubfs/Marketing_Files/Resources/Image_Cards/60157_MEDIA%20SUMMARY%20-%20how%20to%20analyse%20and%20simplify%20complex%20consumer%20data.png)

On 18th July 2022, Insight Platforms published an article all about [*How to Analyse and Simplify Complex Consumer Data*](https://www.insightplatforms.com/how-analyse-simplify-complex-consumer-data/)written by FlexMR Copywriter, Emily James. In this article, Emily explores the characteristics defining complex data. She takes Insight Platform’s readers through popular quantitative and qualitative analysis methods as well as relays the importance of simplifying complex consumer data.

Analysing and simplifying complex consumer data from all data types can be tricky, even for great researchers with many research experiences and a working knowledge of data analytics. Every dataset is unique and will need specific methods applied to draw out the insights required. 

### How to Analyse and Simplify Complex Data 

Consumer data comes in many forms, however, the most commonly gathered by insight experts across all industries are primarily in three forms that we all know and love: quantitative, qualitative and behavioural data. Analysing this data in all forms can be tricky, but there are popular and impactful analytical methods to help insight teams:

#### Quantitative Analytical Methods

There are many quantitative analytical tools, methods, and techniques to choose from, but an experienced insight team will have a core few that they are proficient in and rely on most of the time. Common quantitative methods include:

- Foundational statistics tests such as mode, median, mean, and skew.
- Correlation analysis,
- Regression analysis
- Factor analysis

But each statistical analysis will have its own assumptions and limitations, so being aware of these and making sure to mitigate those limitations to gain the clearest picture is vital. Which methods are used will depend on the type of data and the hypotheses that the research is attempting to prove/disprove.

#### Qualitative Analytical Methods

Qualitative data is mostly made up of words, but can also take the form of impactful images, audio and video. The data gleaned from images and videos hold vital background contexts and unconscious tells that add more detail to text and audio data. Impactful qualitative analytical methods include:

- Content analysis
- Narrative analysis
- Discourse analysis
- Thematic analysis
- Sentiment analysis
- Semiotic analysis

From both qualitative and quantitative data analysis, insight teams can understand most of what the data communicates, but the data in its raw form is intimidating to stakeholders who don’t hold the knowledge to interpret it. Simplifying the data is the next step in the process.

#### Simplifying Data

What does it mean to simplify complex data? It means communicating it in a way that the intended stakeholders, and then anyone else who would gain ground based on the insights, will understand immediately. So how do insight teams simplify data?

Natural language generation technology can help automate the process but can be expensive. So other ways include: converting data into comprehensible stories; sorting data into categories based on consumer personas, so that those personas can be continually evolved and used in stakeholder decision-making processes; and also visualising data using creative and interactive means.

Want to read more? Then take a look at the [full article](https://www.insightplatforms.com/how-analyse-simplify-complex-consumer-data/) on Insight Platforms now.

## About Insight Platforms

[Insight Platforms](https://www.insightplatforms.com/blog/) is the leading online resource for learning about digital research tools. The company has their own directory of over 700 market research suppliers in over 30 categories from A/B Testing to Visual Analytics; and also boasts a myriad of blogs, guides, independent reviews from experts in product research, consumer insights, social intelligence, customer experience and digital analytics.

[View All Resources](https://resources.flexmr.net/)

### For press enquiries

To discuss press and media enquiries please contact Christopher Martin, FlexMR CMO, by email at [chris.martin@flexmr.net](mailto:chris.martin@flexmr.net) or via telephone on 015395 65455.

### Arrange a meeting

We love to meet passionate research and insight professionals. If you'd like to arrange a chat with one of our team at an event we'll be attending, contact Chris Martin by email at [chris.martin@flexmr.net](mailto:chris.martin@flexmr.net) or via telephone on 015395 65455.

### Heading

### Subscribe

Want to be notified when new MRX Lab podcast episodes are published? Subscribe to receive updates and listen around the web using any of the services below.

| [![Listen on Spotify](https://resources.flexmr.net/hubfs/Marketing_Files/Resources/Page_Elements/Listen%20on%20Spotify.png "Spotify")](https://open.spotify.com/show/41uzFHsnjPbOrSIxbU13Vw) | [![Listen on Anchor](https://resources.flexmr.net/hubfs/Marketing_Files/Resources/Page_Elements/Listen%20on%20Anchor.png "Anchor")](https://anchor.fm/flexmr) | [![Listen on Podbean](https://resources.flexmr.net/hubfs/Marketing_Files/Resources/Page_Elements/Listen%20on%20Podbean.png "Podbean")](https://flexmr.podbean.com/) |
| --- | --- | --- |

![](https://www.flexmr.net/skin/images/images-custom/48f118ee-cef9-42d6-b60b-5575d5ac26e3-flexmr_footer.svg)

- [Home](https://www.flexmr.net/)
- [Contact Us](https://www.flexmr.net/contact/)
- [Privacy Policy](https://www.flexmr.net/legal/privacy/)
- [Cookie Policy](https://www.flexmr.net/legal/cookies/)
- [Terms of Use](https://www.flexmr.net/legal/terms-of-use/)

[Follow us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/flexmr/)

[Follow us on Twitter](https://twitter.com/_flexmr)

[Follow us on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/flexmr)

[Follow us on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/c/FlexmrNetOnlineResearch)

[![Grit Top 50 Logo](https://www.flexmr.net/uploads/photo-gallery-include-images/34/44258f4d-7452-40d6-bb23-0e220c8ba21f.png)](https://www.greenbook.org/mr/grit/business-innovation-edition)

[![ISO 27001 Alcumus](https://www.flexmr.net/uploads/photo-gallery-include-images/34/fa89f9b3-d866-43b8-8de0-4a052a9053d8.png)](https://www.alcumus.com/en-gb/certification/iso-27001/)

[![Cyber Essentials Plus Logo](https://www.flexmr.net/uploads/photo-gallery-include-images/34/cba57df6-75a2-4544-9599-dcc0c2f14b79.png)](https://resources.flexmr.net/hubfs/Public_Files/Other/FlexMR_Cyber_Essentials_Certificate.pdf?__hstc=163229475.dde2c3d212762f49b059c9f62e7537a0.1624542718433.1626339489304.1626701624468.7&__hssc=163229475.2.1626701624468&__hsfp=3142549060)

© FlexMR 2021. All rights reserved.

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Emily James",
    "url" : "https://resources.flexmr.net/author/emily-james"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2022-07-19T21:07:43.197Z",
  "datePublished" : "2022-07-19T07:57:28.000Z",
  "headline" : "How to Simplify Complex Consumer Data with Insight Platforms",
  "image" : [ "https://resources.flexmr.net/hubfs/Marketing_Files/Resources/Image_Cards/60157_MEDIA%20SUMMARY%20-%20how%20to%20analyse%20and%20simplify%20complex%20consumer%20data.png" ],
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://resources.flexmr.net/analyse-simplify-complex-consumer-data-insight-platforms",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://resources.flexmr.net/hubfs/Website_Files/Images/Logos/flexmr_logo_amp.png"
    },
    "name" : "FlexMR"
  }
}
```