What is Synthetic Research?

Synthetic research refers to the use of artificially generated data, personas, or environments to simulate real-world conditions, behaviors, and insights. Unlike traditional research that relies on direct observation or interaction with human participants, synthetic research leverages technologies such as machine learning, large language models, agent-based simulations, and computational design to produce structured representations of individuals or systems. These synthetic constructs are used to explore hypotheses, test product-market fit, prototype user experiences, or model complex social phenomena—often with greater speed, scalability, and experimental flexibility than conventional approaches.

This methodology is gaining traction across disciplines—from marketing and UX design to social science and organizational strategy—because of its potential to generate insights where traditional data collection may be constrained by cost, time, ethics, or access. However, the value of synthetic research depends on its methodological rigor, representational fidelity, and critical engagement with its limitations. The Synthetic Research Academy exists to help practitioners and scholars navigate these complexities, establish best practices, and ensure synthetic research fulfills its promise as a transformative research paradigm.