OPW INTERVIEW – Feb 17 – Luxmada has developed a new matching algorithm for online dating sites that predicts cohabitation compatibility which is an essential component of long-term relationship stability. It is called the Cohabitation Index. Here is our interview with Luxmada Founder & CEO, David Stephen Hyatt.
Can you tell us about the science behind your cohabitation test?
In a nutshell, the Cohabitation Index (CI) is a completely new, patent-pending algorithm that utilizes, among other things, asymmetric probability modeling to predict shared-space (i.e., domestic) compatibility. We use carefully crafted questions developed from peer-reviewed literature on (romantic) dyad matching and a robust mathematical design that moves beyond the fuzzy imprecision of current metrics (e.g., Likert scales, personality tests, etc.). The CI algorithm essentially measures the amount of predicted volatility with respect to the domestic space, and that's an incredibly important idea because relationships inevitably succeed or fail based on how well couples can navigate their shared-space landscape. Dating is only the first (and easiest) hurdle if you're even remotely interested in anything beyond hook-up culture.
Why is cohabitation so important compared to other compatibility aspects?
Great question. There exist two principal reasons. First, as we discuss in our report, recent academic studies suggest coeval matching algorithms are statistically insignificant and do a poor job of quantifying the kind of compatibility that leads to long-term relationship success. Unfortunately, these (dis)similarity measures are the only game in town with respect to curated matching, so they're not going away any time soon. The CI algorithm, which we assume will be used alongside the panoply of current (if flawed) matching techniques, focuses on those critical variables that academics suggest do portend relationship stability, giving users greater control over, and confidence in, their dating choices.
Second, cohabitation in the U.S. – to take one sizable market – has increased 900% since 1970, yet only 30% of cohabiting couples survive marriage. In fact, reported incompatibility has become a significant reason for relationship dissolution. This evinces the chasm between modern matching algorithms and the needs of online users who seek a long-term, meaningful relationship. Cohabitation compatibility, as an ineluctable component of a successful relationship, simply isn't being addressed by the online-dating industry; meanwhile, users invest time, money, and energy into relationships that could be doomed from the beginning. The CI algorithm measures that circumscribed aspect of relationship risk.
How do you see this integrating into a dating app?
There is nothing to suggest app integration would be a problem. Backend implementation across all modalities is seamless and nearly identical to current approaches. Users answer specific questions as they build their profile, and those responses are then used to construct a unique, precise, and asymmetrical "CI score" against any other profile in the database, a metric that even permits filtered searches based on any desired compatibility threshold. We also establish subcategory metrics so users can locate the locus of conflict and begin a targeted dialogue with potential matches about their domestic expectations. We believe the process of identifying potentially suboptimal matches by quantifying the likelihood of domestic conflict in inchoate relationships is as valuable as any matching strategy in use today – perhaps even more so considering what's at stake.
Why should companies use Luxmada's services rather than just go it alone and design their own test?
The short answer is convenience. We've already done the heavy lifting for you. We've examined the relevant literature, developed the mathematical framework, and performed robust statistical tests to measure the CI's predictive power against stochastic responses. See our report for details
The long answer comes in three parts. First, we have zero interest in market entry. Luxmada is an international think tank, which means we're not a dating site and we don't offer services of any kind. We developed the Cohabitation Index as a pragmatic response to a vital industry need, and we're advertising our IP for sale (or licensing) to interested parties. Think of us as intellectual facilitators rather than competitors. Second, it would be very difficult to reverse-engineer the CI infrastructure based solely on the prompts. The algorithmic magic resides in our specific mathematical design, and, as we all know, not every model generates meaningful data – even if the math works. Third, but certainly not least, our patent would likely create legal complications for foreign companies with a digital footprint in the States – while providing a complete barrier to development for American companies – but we've also engaged Oyen Wiggs, a prominent IP firm based in Vancouver, concerning PCT filing, which means there isn't much wiggle room for those who might wish to chart their own trajectories.
Do you have plans to offer more compatibility profiling?
The power and flexibility of the CI algorithm permit a range of interesting applications – from business management and team building to applicant profiling – and we're currently exploring those tangents, but, no, this is very likely our singular foray into the universe of online dating. At the moment, we're consumed with a number of high-profile projects, including cryptanalytic software and quantum-resistant authentication technology for primary-market consumer goods, but we hope we've convinced more than a few readers that cohabitation compatibility is an indispensable metric that must be addressed as the online-dating industry forges ahead. As we said when we began developing the CI algorithm: True compatibility doesn't begin until the honeymoon is over – an aphorism industry professionals should take seriously.
