The effect of induced positive consumption simulations on purchases

Marketers often prompt mental simulations via visuals or via verbal calls to action. For example, restaurants try to entice patrons with mouthwatering photos on their Instagram accounts or menus. 

The Apple Vision Pro launch video shows people using the new headset computer in the hope that consumers will simulate how they would use the device.

Mental simulation has been shown to improve action readiness and is thus used in advertisements and other communications to facilitate purchase and consumption.

“However,” say the researchers, “although some studies have noted positive influences on behavioural intentions and behaviour, others have found minimal or even negative effects. 

“It is difficult to interpret these findings given how the modality of simulation, frequency of induction, type of consumption experience, and target populations vary widely in research and practice.”

Important findings for the industry

This new study evaluates multiple studies conducted from 1980 – 2020 to analyse when mental simulation prompts heighten consumers’ purchases. It produces several important findings for the industry:

1. Mental simulation increases behavioural responses. However, the average effect is small – suggesting that while mental simulation works in general, marketers must identify ways to strengthen its impact.
2. The study identifies more powerful mental simulation prompts – such as dynamic visuals with augmented reality (AR) or 360-degree videos, along with verbal instructions to go along with visuals – and guides marketers how to use such interactive media.
3. The frequency and spacing of the mental simulation determines its effect on consumer behaviour and the study offers guidance to managers for effective ad planning and delivery. For example, when marketers place the same message across different platforms, consumers may be exposed to the same content over and over again within a single episode of mental simulation. In addition to repetition being annoying in general, mass repetition is not just ineffective, but also reduces consumption, likely due to familiarisation.
4. Simulation has limited impact on behaviour in online samples in which participants may not be sufficiently motivated to engage in mental simulation.

“While mental simulation inductions are a common approach found across many industries and product categories, our systematic, large-scale analysis suggests that marketers should carefully consider the right approach, context and frequency of prompting mental simulations,” the researchers say.

You can find out more about the study here.