Case study: Breaking down barriers for heat pump uptake

In traditional research respondents are often asked questions about past experiences, when we ask about future scenarios respondents have not yet experienced responses are imagined usually with an idealised and aspirational version of themselves, particularly when this future scenario may include a decision made in a heightened emotional situation. This is the challenge that Energy Systems Catapult had in understanding how to encourage uptake of heat pump installations in the UK - a key element of the UK Government’s net zero targets. The most likely time to install a heat pump is when their boiler needs to be replaced, a situation that is not that common and might be a stressful experience. 

To tackle this challenge we used a Narrative Research approach to help respondents access an imagined future in an accurate way using the power of stories. Learn more about the project below.