Mosaic segmentation
![]() |
Screen shot of City Prosperity class. Courtesy of Experian. |
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
Mosaic UK is a geodemographic segmentation system devised by marketing services provider Experian to help advance marketing programmes, ensuring that the right information is targeted at the right groups. It is part of a family of Mosaic classifications covering 29 countries including Western Europe, the US, Australia and the Far East.
Mosaic was developed by Richard Webber, a geography professor at Kings College, London, in association with Experian. It is based on the idea that cities globally share common patterns of residential segregation.
[edit] Application
Based on information collected from census, electoral rolls, housing and financial data, Mosaic creates a demographic segmentation which assigns individuals and households into groups and detailed types. This can be used for marketing purposes to target chosen groups with specific information.
Mosaic is said to allow firms to:
- Personalise customer experience to improve retention and share of their spend.
- Understand target audiences and strengthen brand awareness
- Understand new geographic concentrations of customers to optimise location footprint.
Although there are numerous geodemographic segmentation systems, Mosaic is one of the most widely used in the corporate and public sectors, particularly in finance, insurance, retail and telecoms.
[edit] Classification categories
In devising Mosaic, Experian says it identified key demographic changes that influence consumer behaviour. The 2009 version of Mosaic UK has 15 lifestyle (or socio-economic) classifications as follows:
- A – City Prosperity
- B – Prestige Positions
- C – Country Living
- D – Rural Reality
- E – Senior Security
- F – Suburban Stability
- G – Domestic Success
- H – Aspiring Homemakers
- I – Family Basics
- J – Transient Renters
- K – Municipal Tenants
- L – Vintage Value
- M – Modest Traditions
- N – Urban Cohesion
- Q – Rental Hubs
Each of the above classifications is further subdivided, making a total of 66 subclasses. A few examples are as follows:
- A01 – Global high flyers and moneyed families living luxurious lifestyles in London’s most exclusive boroughs.
- C11 – Country-loving families pursuing a rural idyll in comfortable village homes, many commuting some distance to work.
- E21 - Senior singles owning affordable but pleasant homes, whose reduced incomes are satisfactory.
- I39 - Families with children in low-value social houses making limited resources go a long way.
[edit] Mapping
Mosaic data can be overlaid onto maps to highlight the geographic distribution of the chosen parameters and reveal important detail that might otherwise not be discernible. For example, within rural areas, it can highlight households that are likely to be commuting to towns and cities nearby, or residents with more of a local focus i.e in blue collar, agricultural or mining/ manufacturing occupations.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Mixed-use marketing.
- Property marketing.
- Constructing a three year strategic marketing plan.
- Embedding successful key client management.
- Market segmentation.
- Marketing audit.
- One-year tactical or operational marketing plan.
- Routes to market.
- SWOT analysis.
- Winning work.
[edit] External references
Featured articles and news
The 5 elements of seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu and shitsuke.
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.