Encouraging emotional decision making with Lowell
10th November 2023
Walnut Unlimited
Nudging emotional decision making with Lowell.
Reaching, let alone engaging with, hard-to-reach audiences in research has its challenges. Studies also show that people find it difficult to rationalise and verbalise their decision making process and feelings, especially when it comes to sensitive topics like debt management.
Applying behavioural science, we looked at both encouraging participation in research and ensuring that participants stay engaged throughout this project for Lowell.
Behavioural science allowed us to go beyond the audience’s rational responses and challenge any ‘over rationalisation’. We identified deep-set biases at play which were limiting the participants’ ability to engage with debt management. By exploring these barriers to engagement, and addressing them, we were able to produce differentiated communication, which we tested and validated with customers – showing an increase in engagement across target audiences. We provided further actionable recommendations grounded in science and consumer insight, which helped guide Lowell’s business strategy moving forward.
Our findings have penetrated throughout Lowell’s whole business and inspired strategy changes – improving hundreds of communications and adapting their website. All of this in turn, contributed to an increase in digital collections and an overall performance currently 29% ahead of the 2019 performance and to a sustained growth and improvement in engagement rates – an increase in digital collections of 17% in June compared to March despite Lowell forecasting a reduction for the month, which in turn demonstrates that trust in the brand is higher.
Walnut’s approach, particularly in applying genuinely usable behavioural science techniques, has unearthed a whole new way to reposition our business to customers. Our customers are engaging much more as a result and our colleagues are even more proud of the brand they work for. A fantastic partner!
Lowell Client
More Insights
Exploring attitudes towards debt policies supporting people who are struggling with debt burden in Britian – March 2024
It drew me in… Christmas advertising is not only about storytelling, it is about the story of us as humans
NEWSLETTER
Sign up for the latest treats straight to your inbox