About
We Are A Research Insights And Communications Testing Agency
We are the only Australian research agency that specialises in the new lives of older Australians.
We have developed our own proprietary methods for gaining insights into this wildly diverse and often-misunderstood age group
We also offer a specialised communications testing service,
We Are Based In Sydney
Susan Bell Research is a research and insights agency with a strong foundation in qualitative research and additional expertise in semiotics, and survey research.
We conduct research for a diverse range of organisations on a range of topics and markets.
We Work For Government And Commercial Clients
Government buyers please note – we are on the MAS panel. Susan Bell research is on the Management Advisory Services Panel (MAS panel) under the heading Bell Settlement.
More about us
Since 1994, our boutique research and message testing research has helped our clients identify products, services and experiences to meet their strategic objectives. We design and conduct customised research to deliver deep and rich insights to our clients.
Together, we create a better world for the people they serve.
Our team is trusted because we are passionate, collaborative partners who dig deeper and continually make improvements that help you achieve results. The bottom line is that we work differently from traditional research agencies and are committed to you.
On any day, we could be conducting a member test with investors over Zoom, conducting ethnography about take-away food use, running a focus group about tech adoption, designing a survey about a health app, or decoding images of wellness among older people—to give just a few examples.
When you hire us, you’re getting a team of consultants trained in at least one of: anthropology, psychology, sociology, literature, linguistics, semiotics, marketing, behavioural science, and interaction and service design.
How We Work Differently
Our research has impact
Since we opened our doors in 1994 our aim has been to design research that helps our clients identify products, services and experiences that meet their strategic objectives and helps create a better world for the people that they serve.
We challenge the status quo
How do we do it? By fearlessly challenging client thinking and the status quo. The customer is always at the forefront of our thinking.
And are knowledge seekers
Learning is part of our DNA, incorporating disciplines as diverse as semiotics, plain language and sensemaking. We do this because it gives our clients deeper and richer insights.
What Makes Us Unique
- We are the only Australian research agency that specialises in the new lives of older Australians. We have developed our own proprietary methods for gaining insights into this wildly diverse and often-misunderstood age group
- We challenge our clients’ thinking and assumptions. We begin each project with the customer in mind, then apply the best-suited research technique to get the powerful insights we need
- We aren’t just researchers. We use the research insights we collect to help drive tactical and strategic action and provide insights in a commercial context
- We explore many disciplines to add depth to our research. Where appropriate, we incorporate disciplines as diverse as semiotics, linguistics, creativity, ethnography, sensemaking, anthropology, and mythology to enrich the outcomes of our research
- We have a select group of researchers and insight partners with a broad mix of skills to effectively serve clients in various research fields (e.g. qualitative, surveys, semiotics, and plain language)
Our Experience
Experienced in research with the general public, customers and members, investors, and stakeholders, including small businesses – such as financial advisers and brokers – corporate management and C-Suite executives.
Topics include the arts, food and drink, government services, health care & fitness, infrastructure, insurance, investment, personal care, retirement living, superannuation, and technology.
Meet The Team
“Over the last few years Susan Bell has created a special place as THE researcher looking at rethinking what retirement means and how people plan and live out the three or four decades after they hit their 60s. Not every one is the same or plans/creates the same new life they build for themselves.“
David McCaughan
Susan Bell leads the team. She is a marketing and social researcher, qualitative research expert, and conference speaker / webinar presenter, with an academic background is in English Literature, Linguistics and Psychology.
Susan is an innovator in qualitative research. She has been published internationally and has spoken at industry conferences in Australia and internationally.
Susan is also a known expert in research about retirement and is committed to helping governments and businesses understand the new lives of older (mature age).
Having studied language and technical communication extensively, Susan also used that knowledge to develop a proprietary content testing framework. This content-testing research service is based on plain language principles. This has given our agency the opportunity to work with clients, such as insurance companies who need various documents – letters, statements, emails, etc.– tested to determine if their audience understands the content and knows what to do next.
How To Work With Us
When you work with us you will discover that we are dedicated to doing exactly that – working with you. Ours is a collaborative high-touch process in which ultimately you have control. This research is for you. Having said that our role is to bring our expertise and knowledge to the task you have set us. Expect us to come up with new ideas and expect us to challenge you.
- The best way to start is to send us a brief for the research project.
- We will then set up a a Discovery call to discuss the brief. There is usually a lot of discussion to ensure we understand the scope and objectives.
- We then create a a customized research strategy solve our client’s problem.
- We submit a proposal, followed by a Clarification call with the client to discuss it and make any adjustments needed.
- Once commissioned, we commit enough time to develop the interview guide/survey and for you to review it. We test it before proceeding.
- The project begins. We are always in touch with the clients letting them know where we are in the research process.
- We resent the findings and report to the client. Three revisions are included in the quote.
Susan Bell Research / Bell Settlement ABN and accreditations
Susan Bell Research is a division of Les Bell & Associates Pty Ltd.
Our ABN is the Bell Settlement ABN 44 350 636 020.
We have ISO 20252 accreditation and therefore have policies and procedures in place to protect and manage data. We have an information security management system compliant with ISO 227001 – though as a small business we are not certified against it. Nevertheless, we describe our security posture as ‘well above average’.
Please ask us for our Certificates of Currency for Professional Indemnity and Public and Products Liability Insurance.
Certifications & memberships
International Standard: ISO 20252:2019
