The process of dividing a company’s customers into groups or segments based on common characteristics.
- Methodologies: Engineering, Product Design, Project Management
Customer Segmentation

Customer Segmentation
- Customer Experience, Market Research, Marketing, Product Development, Product Management, Target Audience, User experience (UX), User-Centered Design, Voice of the Customer (VoC)
Objective:
How it’s used:
- Marketers group customers by factors like demographics, geography, psychographics, or behavior to tailor products, marketing messages, and sales strategies more effectively to each group's specific needs.
Pros
- Allows for more targeted and effective marketing; improves customer satisfaction by addressing specific needs; helps to identify new product opportunities.
Cons
- Can be resource-intensive to research and maintain the segments; risks creating stereotypes if not based on good data; segments can overlap or change over time.
Categories:
- Customers & Marketing, Economics, Product Design
Best for:
- Improving marketing and product development effectiveness by dividing a broad customer base into smaller, more manageable groups with similar needs.
Customer segmentation is widely applied across various industries, including consumer goods, technology, healthcare, and retail, among others. In the product development phase, teams can utilize this methodology to refine their understanding of customer preferences, leading to the creation of features that resonate with distinct groups. For instance, a technology firm might segment users based on their tech-savviness, enabling them to design intuitive interfaces for less experienced users while offering advanced functionalities for more knowledgeable consumers. Participants in this methodology typically include marketers, product designers, data analysts, and sales teams, all collaborating to analyze data and interpret findings that shape business decisions. Psychographics, such as lifestyle and values, can inform brand storytelling, making marketing efforts feel more genuine and relatable. Additionally, behavior-based segmentation allows companies to adjust their messaging in real-time based on customer interactions, optimizing conversion rates. Segmentation also aids in identifying untapped markets; by recognizing unique needs of smaller groups, companies can discover new product opportunities that address gaps in the existing offerings. This strategic insight not only boosts customer satisfaction but can lead to increased loyalty and retention as businesses demonstrate a keen understanding of their audience’s individual requirements. The methodology is equally beneficial during the launch phase, where tailored marketing campaigns can create more impactful engagement, leading to higher initial sales figures and sustained growth.
Key steps of this methodology
- Identify segmentation criteria based on demographics, geography, psychographics, or behavior.
- Analyze existing customer data to find patterns and similarities.
- Segment the customer base into distinct groups based on the identified criteria.
- Develop customer personas for each segment to represent their characteristics and needs.
- Assess the market potential and profitability of each customer segment.
- Customize product features and marketing strategies for each identified segment.
- Monitor segment performance and engagement to refine approaches as needed.
- Gather feedback from segments to continually enhance products and services.
Pro Tips
- Utilize advanced data analysis techniques such as clustering algorithms to identify nuanced segments within your customer base that traditional methods may overlook.
- Regularly revisit and refine segmentation criteria based on post-launch feedback, market trends, and evolving consumer behaviors to remain relevant.
- Incorporate ethnographic research methods to capture the qualitative aspects of customer segments, providing a deeper understanding of their motivations and preferences.
To read and compare several methodologies, we recommend the
> Extensive Methodologies Repository <
together with the 400+ other methodologies.
Your comments on this methodology or additional info are welcome on the comment section below ↓ , so as any engineering-related ideas or links.
Related Posts
Manufacturing Operations Management (MOM)
Manufacturing Execution System (MES)
Manufacturing Control Plan
Manual Testing
Manual Handling Assessment Charts (MAC)
ManTRA (Manual Tasks Risk Assessment Tool)