How We Work

Senior partnership. Clear signal. Real results.

At Signal House Research, we work as a strategic partner—not an external vendor. Every engagement begins with the decision that needs to be made, the risks that must be reduced, and the opportunities that matter most.

We design right-sized research that balances rigor with speed, ensuring insight is credible, relevant, and timely. Drawing from both market and UX methodologies, we synthesize multiple signals into a clear narrative that stakeholders can align around.

Our work does not end with findings. We translate insight into strategic implications, facilitate alignment, and help teams move forward with confidence.

Who We Are

Based in San Francisco, California, Signal House Research was founded by James Neal, an accomplished research leader with over two decades of experience spanning market research, UX research, and strategic insights.

James has partnered with product, marketing, brand, and executive leadership teams across technology, FinTech, consumer brands, and nonprofits—helping organizations navigate complexity and make confident, data-informed decisions.

Having served in both product and marketing organizations, he brings a rare cross-functional perspective and a proven ability to translate research into strategy, roadmaps, and real business outcomes. He has also built and led high-performing research teams and is deeply passionate about championing research as a strategic function.

James began his career at global market research agencies (Nielsen, GfK) before transitioning to a number of highly impactful internal research roles (Fitbit, Square/Block, Yelp). Before building his own practice, James was Head of Research at Yelp, leading teams responsible for market and UX research executed globally.

Tailored to fit - from startups to global enterprises.

Each engagement is right-sized to the needs at hand - from rapid, focused studies to large, multi-method programs. Regardless your challenge, our goal is always the same: rigorous insight, delivered with speed and clarity, that teams can act on confidently.

Human experience, accelerated by AI.

We combine decades of research skill, deep experience navigating complex organizational environments, and responsible AI-driven workflows to produce thoughtful, high-impact work at the pace business requires — without sacrificing depth or quality.

Expertise

Market Segmentation, Persona Creation, JTBD, TAM Sizing

Audience Identification & Targeting

CSAT/NPS, Post-Launch / In-Market Reception, Churn Research, Repurchase / Upgrade, Brand Tracking, Social Listening

Category, Brand, & Product Health

Brand Architecture Strategy, Brand Equity & Positioning, Category & Brand Funnel (Conversion, Penetration, Competitive Insights, Drivers, etc.), Campaign Effectiveness, Marketing Investment ROI, Audience Empathy

Brand & Marketing

Naming, Ad / Message testing, Product / SKU Mix Optimization, Online and In-Store Shopper Journey

GTM & Shopper Research

Need Finding, Value Props, Journey Mapping, Usability, Information Architecture, Competitive UX Benchmarking, Audience Empathy

Product Development (HW+SW)

White Space Identification, Qualitative & Quantitative Exploration, Vetting & Refinement, Pricing Research, Market Demand, Target Audience Messaging

Concept Testing