Our Research

Where we're building momentum

We study how people think and act regarding the world's most important emerging ideas that shape the future. In our client partnerships, we help organizations understand their audiences and then create strategies that accelerate awareness, adoption, norm change, and policy progress. Select a topic to see our data, articles, and strategy work.

Working on an important idea beyond these topics? We take on new areas through select partnerships when there's mutual fit. Get in touch.

Autonomous Vehicles

Trust, not technology, is the bottleneck to adoption. We track what builds public confidence and what breaks it.

Support for allowing AVs in local area is strongly correlated with beliefs about the safety advantage. The XandY Poll
Explore the data

Drug Policy Reform

Public perceptions of harm lag decades behind the scientific evidence of therapeutic benefits. We measure that gap and test the communication strategies that can close it.

Most Americans overestimate the harms of psychedelics relative to alcohol and tobacco. The XandY Poll
Explore the data

Renewable Energy

The energy transition runs on consumer demand and political support. We track the opinions and communication strategies that drive both.

Americans' views on renewables are growing more divided — and more complex. XandY research summary
Explore the data

Neuroplastic Symptoms

An emerging science most people haven't met yet. We map first impressions before they harden into stereotypes.

More than 1 in 3 Americans have chronic pain or illness that lacks a clear diagnosis, and most accept psychological causes may play a role. The XandY Poll
Explore the data

Nuclear Energy

Old stereotypes hinder progress in the modern energy technologies our growing world needs. We study how opinions and policy support hinge on key misconceptions that need to be addressed.

Americans support building nuclear power in neighboring states, but not in their own. The XandY Poll
Explore the data

Blockchain & Digital Assets

Blockchain tech is powerful for business and economic freedom, but most people misunderstand its uses and benefits - leading to unnecessary harms.

Despite many owning digital assets, most Americans cannot identify any specific benefit or risk of crypto. The XandY Poll
Explore the data

Digital Media Health

Accumulating evidence shows screen time has more negative than positive effects in early child development and early education. We aim to map the barriers parents and educators face, and how to encourage healthy habits.

We're pursuing opportunities to expand our research here. XandY
Partner with us on this topic

Sports Betting & Prediction Markets

Betting markets have grown fast - and emerging evidence suggests we need a more careful approach to mitigate economic harms to vulnerable groups.

We're pursuing opportunities to expand our research here. XandY
Partner with us on this topic