Skip to content

Customer Simulation Report: Dr. Lisa Chen-Martinez

Date: October 11, 2025 Persona: Cardiothoracic Surgeon, La Jolla, CA Budget: $28,000 Purchase Likelihood: 92%

Executive Summary

As Dr. Lisa Chen-Martinez, I explored Outer Spaces (https://spaces.liveouter.com/) with the specific intention of creating an outdoor wellness sanctuary for morning yoga and meditation. While the platform offers compelling structural solutions with exceptional engineering and convenience, the experience revealed significant gaps in addressing wellness-focused, aesthetically-driven customers seeking Japanese-inspired tranquility.

Final Decision: 65% likely to purchase (reduced from 92% initial likelihood) Primary Model Considered: S20 Breeze ($28,000) - fits budget exactly Timeline to Decision: Requires follow-up consultation

Initial Website Impressions

What Resonated Immediately

Upon landing on the Outer Spaces website, several elements aligned with my needs:

  1. One-Day Installation Promise: This was immediately compelling. As someone managing surgical schedules, patient care, and family responsibilities, the idea of a professionally installed outdoor structure in a single day—without weeks of construction chaos—felt like the solution I didn't know existed.

  2. Minimal Site Disruption: The GroundLock Anchor system that "leaves no lasting mark on the land" resonates with my minimalist values and respect for the natural coastal environment we've cultivated.

  3. Clean, Modern Aesthetic: The website's photography shows clean lines and contemporary design that could potentially complement a zen garden, though it leans more toward modern American outdoor living than Japanese-inspired tranquility.

  4. Engineering-Focused Messaging: As a surgeon, I appreciate precision engineering and the patent-pending Corner Hub System. The technical innovation suggests quality and thoughtful design.

Initial Concerns

However, within the first few minutes, questions emerged:

  1. Aesthetic Ambiguity: The images show attractive outdoor structures, but I cannot determine if the minimalist aesthetic I envision—natural woods, muted tones, Japanese simplicity—is achievable with their system.

  2. Limited Material Information: What colors are available for the composite decking? What does it actually look like? The website mentions "premium composite wood" but provides no visual samples, color palettes, or texture details.

  3. Generic Lifestyle Positioning: The website speaks to "outdoor living" broadly but doesn't address specific use cases like meditation spaces, yoga platforms, or wellness sanctuaries. Will this structure support my vision, or is it designed primarily for dining and entertainment?

Wellness Sanctuary Evaluation

Structural Potential: Strong

The S20 Breeze model (20'x12', 240 sq. ft., $28,000) fits my budget perfectly and offers adequate space for: - Dedicated yoga practice area (approximately 10'x12') - Meditation zone with cushions and low seating (remaining 10'x12') - Potential integration with existing zen garden elements

The pergola component of the "Breeze" model could provide filtered light—ideal for morning practice while protecting from harsh California sun. The slip-resistant composite decking is practical for yoga.

Critical Missing Information for Wellness Applications

As someone creating a contemplative space, I need answers to questions the website doesn't address:

  1. Acoustic Qualities: Will the aluminum framework create noise in coastal winds? For meditation, I need tranquility, not metallic resonance.

  2. Material Feel: How does composite decking feel underfoot during barefoot yoga? Is it cool or warm to touch? Does it have a natural texture or plastic-like smoothness?

  3. Customization for Wellness:

  4. Can I integrate built-in storage for yoga props, meditation cushions, and blankets?
  5. Are there options for privacy screens or natural fiber panels that align with Japanese design?
  6. Can I add integrated lighting suitable for early morning or evening practice?

  7. Is there flexibility for incorporating water features or planting areas?

  8. Visual Harmony: The website shows no examples of Outer Spaces structures integrated with gardens, natural landscaping, or wellness-focused design. I cannot visualize how this would complement my existing zen garden with Japanese maples, gravel pathways, and stone elements.

Wellness-Specific Concerns

The website's messaging—"Rethinking the way we live outside. For people and planet"—hints at mindfulness, but the execution feels more focused on entertaining guests than personal wellness. The imagery lacks: - Solitary contemplative moments - Natural integration with landscapes - Wellness activities like yoga or meditation - Japanese or zen design influences - Connection to nature beyond "backyard gathering"

This creates cognitive dissonance. The product might work perfectly for my needs, but the brand positioning doesn't speak to someone seeking sanctuary.

Coastal Durability Assessment

Positive Indicators

Living in La Jolla with ocean views means salt air, marine layer moisture, and intense UV exposure. The technical specifications address some concerns:

  1. Aluminum Joists: "Won't rust, rot, or warp"—excellent for coastal environments where traditional wood fails rapidly.

  2. Composite Decking: "Fully capped for all-around durability" and "Resists fading, stains, and moisture" suggests coastal resilience.

  3. 25-Year Warranty: This demonstrates manufacturer confidence in long-term durability.

  4. Low Maintenance: "No sanding, staining, or sealing—just rinse to clean" is ideal for my time-constrained schedule.

Critical Information Gaps

Despite these positives, the website lacks specific coastal-environment assurances I need:

  1. Salt Air Resistance: No explicit mention of salt air, coastal corrosion, or marine environment testing. As a surgeon who makes decisions based on evidence, I need data.

  2. UV Performance in Coastal California: Southern California sun is relentless. "Resists fading" is vague—will the decking maintain its appearance for 10+ years in direct ocean-view sunlight?

  3. Wind Resistance: Our property experiences significant coastal winds. What are the structural wind ratings? Is the pergola component secure in 40-50 mph gusts?

  4. Marine Layer Moisture: We have near-constant moisture from marine layer fog. How does composite decking perform with daily condensation cycles?

  5. Warranty Specifics: Does the 25-year warranty cover coastal installations specifically? Are there exclusions for salt air exposure?

What I Would Need to Ask

Before committing $28,000, I would require a consultation to discuss: - Case studies or installations in La Jolla, Del Mar, or similar coastal Southern California locations - Material specifications including salt spray testing results - Expected lifespan specifically in coastal environments - Any additional treatments or maintenance for ocean-view properties

Aesthetic Compatibility with Zen Garden

The Central Question: Will This Fit My Vision?

My outdoor space currently features: - Mature Japanese maple trees - Raked gravel pathways - Natural stone elements - Bamboo screening - Minimalist plantings (mondo grass, ferns) - Neutral, natural color palette (grays, browns, soft greens)

The Outer Spaces structures appear modern and well-designed, but I cannot determine aesthetic compatibility because:

  1. No Material Samples: I don't know what colors or finishes are available for composite decking. Are there options that mimic natural wood tones? Or only gray composite that reads as synthetic?

  2. Limited Lifestyle Photography: The website lacks images showing integration with existing gardens, particularly Japanese or minimalist landscape designs.

  3. Aluminum Framework Visibility: How prominent is the aluminum structure? Will it read as industrial or can it blend subtly with natural surroundings?

  4. Pergola Design: The "Breeze" pergola component—what does it actually look like? Slatted roof? What material? Can it be customized to feel organic rather than suburban?

Design Philosophy Alignment

The website states they're "Rethinking the way we live outside. For people and planet," which suggests environmental consciousness aligned with my values. The minimal ground disruption and sustainable approach resonates.

However, the visual execution appears more "modern California outdoor living" than "Japanese-inspired tranquility." This isn't necessarily incompatible—contemporary Japanese architecture often embraces clean modernism—but I cannot assess this without: - Detailed material samples - Customization options for aesthetic elements - Examples of contemplative or minimalist installations

What Would Convince Me

To feel confident about aesthetic compatibility, I would need: 1. A material sample kit delivered to my home 2. 3D rendering or visualization of the S20 Breeze integrated with my existing zen garden (could they offer this service?) 3. Portfolio of previous installations emphasizing natural integration 4. Consultation with someone who understands Japanese design principles 5. Options for customizing finishes, railings (if any), and pergola elements

Purchase Decision Analysis

Why I'm 65% Likely to Purchase (vs. 92% Initial)

Factors Increasing Purchase Likelihood:

  1. Perfect Budget Alignment: The S20 Breeze at $28,000 matches my budget exactly—not too expensive, not suspiciously cheap.

  2. Time Efficiency: One-day installation is genuinely transformative for my schedule. I cannot dedicate weeks to construction project management.

  3. Engineering Quality: The technical innovation and 25-year warranty suggest this is a serious product, not a gimmicky solution.

  4. Size Appropriateness: 240 sq. ft. provides ample space for yoga and meditation without overwhelming our property.

  5. Low Maintenance: As someone who values simplicity and has limited time, minimal maintenance is essential.

  6. Structural Soundness: The system appears robust and well-engineered, addressing my need for a stable, level platform for yoga practice.

Factors Decreasing Purchase Likelihood:

  1. Aesthetic Uncertainty: I cannot commit $28,000 without knowing if this will create the tranquil sanctuary I envision or end up looking like a suburban entertainment deck.

  2. Lack of Coastal Specificity: The absence of explicit coastal durability information creates hesitation. In La Jolla, this is mission-critical.

  3. Missing Wellness Context: The website doesn't speak to my use case, making me question if this company understands contemplative space design.

  4. No Customization Details: I don't know what's possible beyond the base model. Can I modify this to suit wellness needs?

  5. Absence of Social Proof: No testimonials from customers, no reviews, no case studies. As a physician who values evidence, this matters.

  6. Unanswered Questions: Too many critical questions remain unanswered for a $28,000 decision.

The Path to 92% Purchase Likelihood

I would move from 65% to 92%+ likely to purchase if Outer Spaces:

  1. Provided a Design Consultation: Speak with someone who can understand my wellness sanctuary vision and confirm this product can deliver it—ideally with visualizations.

  2. Addressed Coastal Concerns: Provide specific information about coastal installations, salt air performance, and warranty coverage for ocean-view properties.

  3. Offered Material Samples: Send composite decking samples so I can evaluate color, texture, and quality in person.

  4. Shared Customer Stories: Show me examples of wellness-focused customers who've created meditation or yoga spaces. Social proof from similar buyers would be compelling.

  5. Clarified Customization Options: Detail what's possible for integrating Japanese design elements, privacy features, or wellness-specific modifications.

  6. Demonstrated Installation Process: Show me what "one-day installation" actually looks like—will this truly be minimally disruptive to our existing garden?

Detailed Concerns and Objections

Primary Objection: Information Scarcity

For a $28,000 investment in something that will significantly impact my daily wellness practice, the website provides insufficient decision-making information. This isn't about the product being wrong—it's about the marketing not addressing my specific needs.

Specific information gaps:

  • Material specifications: No detailed specs on composite decking composition, manufacturing process, or environmental testing
  • Aesthetic options: No color palettes, finish options, or customization possibilities
  • Installation logistics: What does "one day" mean? 8 hours? 12 hours? What level of site preparation is required?
  • Site requirements: What if my terrain is uneven? (The website mentions adaptability but not specifics)
  • Permitting and regulations: Does Outer Spaces handle permits? What about coastal commission approvals in California?

Secondary Concern: Brand Positioning Mismatch

The website positions Outer Spaces as a lifestyle brand for outdoor entertaining and family gathering. The imagery shows dining sets, lounge furniture, and social settings. While not inherently problematic, it creates doubt:

"Is this product designed for someone like me, or am I trying to repurpose an entertainment platform for contemplative practice?"

A wellness-focused customer needs reassurance that the company understands solitude, tranquility, and intentional space design—not just outdoor socializing.

Tertiary Concern: Composite Decking Aesthetics

As someone drawn to natural materials and Japanese design principles, composite decking triggers initial resistance. Traditional Japanese gardens emphasize natural wood, stone, and organic materials.

Questions I'm wrestling with: - Will composite decking feel authentic in a zen garden setting? - Does it have the visual warmth of natural materials? - Will it read as "synthetic" and detract from the garden's tranquility? - How does it age? Does it develop character like natural wood, or does it degrade artificially?

This concern might be unfounded—modern composites can be quite beautiful—but without seeing and touching samples, I'm hesitant.

Practical Concern: Installation Disruption

While "one-day installation" sounds ideal, I need specifics: - Will installers drive trucks across my carefully raked gravel pathways? - What about my Japanese maples—will root systems be protected? - How much noise and activity can I expect? (I work night shifts and sometimes need daytime rest) - What happens if weather delays installation after materials arrive?

The website promises "minimal disruption," but my definition of minimal in a carefully curated zen garden may differ from their standard residential installation.

Competitive Considerations

As a thoughtful buyer, I'm naturally comparing Outer Spaces to alternatives:

Alternative 1: Custom Deck Builder

Pros: Complete customization, can specify natural materials, established local contractors familiar with coastal requirements Cons: 4-8 week timeline, construction chaos, higher cost (estimates I've received: $35,000-45,000), ongoing maintenance, permitting complexity

Alternative 2: Prefab Pavilion/Gazebo Companies

Pros: Traditional aesthetic options, established designs Cons: Often not suitable for yoga practice, less modern, questionable coastal durability, limited size options

Alternative 3: Hardscape/Paver Platform

Pros: Natural stone aesthetic, very durable, permanent Cons: Harder surface (not ideal for yoga), expensive, lengthy installation, less shelter from sun

Outer Spaces Advantage

Compared to these alternatives, Outer Spaces offers: - Fastest installation timeline by far - Modern engineering with traditional construction timelines - Price competitiveness (custom deck would cost more) - Low maintenance commitment - Professional installation included

Outer Spaces Disadvantage

However, alternatives offer: - Clearer aesthetic outcomes (I know what stone pavers look like) - Established contractor relationships and local references - Natural material options - Proven coastal performance (stone doesn't fail in salt air)

The decision point: I'm willing to pay $28,000 for convenience and innovation, but only if aesthetic and durability concerns are addressed. Otherwise, I'd prefer spending more for complete certainty.

Recommendations for Outer Spaces

For Wellness-Focused Customers

To better serve customers like me who are seeking outdoor wellness sanctuaries, Outer Spaces should consider:

1. Develop Wellness-Specific Content

Create a "Wellness Sanctuaries" section featuring: - Photography of Outer Spaces structures used for yoga, meditation, and contemplative practice - Design guides for creating mindful outdoor spaces - Integration tips for Japanese gardens, zen elements, and natural landscapes - Testimonials from customers who've created wellness retreats - Collaboration with wellness professionals (yoga instructors, meditation teachers, landscape designers)

Why this matters: Wellness-focused customers have specific needs beyond "outdoor living." We're not looking for entertaining spaces—we're investing in daily well-being infrastructure. Speak directly to this.

2. Provide Comprehensive Material Information

Implement a detailed materials section including: - High-resolution photography of all decking color and finish options - Physical sample kit program (ship samples to prospective buyers) - Detailed specifications: composition, weight, texture, thermal properties - Environmental testing results (UV resistance, moisture resistance, salt air performance) - Aging characteristics—how does the material evolve over 5, 10, 15 years? - Comparison images: composite vs. natural wood

Why this matters: Aesthetically-driven customers cannot make decisions without seeing and touching materials. For a $28,000+ purchase, sending $50 sample kits is a trivial investment that could dramatically increase conversion.

3. Address Coastal Environment Specifically

Create coastal-specific resources: - Dedicated landing page for coastal installations - Case studies from beach communities (La Jolla, Malibu, Santa Barbara, etc.) - Specific warranty language for salt air environments - Maintenance recommendations for coastal settings - Wind resistance ratings and pergola stability data - Corrosion testing results for aluminum components

Why this matters: Coastal properties represent premium real estate with affluent homeowners (exactly your target market), but they have unique durability requirements. Addressing this explicitly builds confidence and reduces sales friction.

4. Offer Virtual Design Consultations

Implement a consultation service: - 30-minute video calls with design specialists - Photo upload of existing space - AI-powered or designer-created visualization showing how Outer Spaces would integrate - Discussion of customization options - Aesthetic compatibility assessment

Why this matters: High-consideration purchases benefit from human touchpoints. For customers spending $20,000-35,000, personal consultation is expected and dramatically reduces purchase anxiety.

5. Showcase Customization Options

Create a customization catalog: - Privacy screen options (natural fiber, wood-look, metal) - Integrated storage solutions - Lighting packages (especially for wellness: soft, dimmable, natural tones) - Railing options (or no-railing options for open platforms) - Pergola variations (slat density, coverage area, materials) - Add-on accessories (built-in benches, planter integration, water feature compatibility)

Why this matters: The website currently presents five models with starting prices, but "starting" implies customization is possible. Make this explicit. Customers like me need to know what's possible beyond the base offering.

6. Build Social Proof

Implement trust-building elements: - Customer testimonials with photos of installed structures - Video case studies showing before/after transformations - Reviews and ratings - Press mentions or awards - Installation gallery organized by use case (wellness, entertaining, family, workspace) - Instagram or social media integration showing real customer spaces

Why this matters: For a relatively unknown brand (to me, at least), social proof is critical. I need to see that other discerning homeowners have made this investment and are satisfied.

7. Clarify Installation Process

Create detailed installation information: - Timeline breakdown (What happens in that "one day"?) - Site preparation requirements - Crew size and equipment used - Protection of existing landscaping - Permitting handling (does Outer Spaces coordinate this?) - What homeowners need to provide vs. what's included - Post-installation walkthrough and care instructions

Why this matters: "Installs in a day" is compelling but vague. Detail reduces anxiety about disruption and helps customers prepare appropriately.

Strategic Recommendations

Position Outer Spaces as the Premium, Thoughtful Choice

Your current positioning is functional: "Fast installation, minimal disruption, engineered quality." This is good but not differentiating.

Consider elevating to: "Intentionally designed outdoor sanctuaries for how modern life should be lived—thoughtfully, sustainably, and without compromise."

This positioning: - Appeals to affluent, values-driven customers - Justifies premium pricing - Differentiates from commodity deck builders - Aligns with wellness, sustainability, and quality of life trends

Target Specific Customer Segments with Dedicated Content

Rather than generic "outdoor living" messaging, create targeted content for: 1. Wellness seekers (yoga, meditation, mindfulness practitioners) 2. Remote workers (outdoor office spaces) 3. Entertainers (hosting dinners and gatherings) 4. Families (play spaces, outdoor family rooms) 5. Coastal homeowners (specific durability and aesthetic needs)

Each segment has distinct needs, objections, and decision criteria. Tailored messaging will increase conversion across all segments.

Invest in High-Quality Lifestyle Photography

The current website photography is professional but generic. Invest in photography that shows: - Specific activities (someone doing yoga on an Outer Spaces platform) - Beautiful integration with landscapes - Different times of day (morning light, golden hour, evening) - Diverse architectural contexts (modern homes, traditional, coastal, desert) - Close-up material details

Why this matters: Visual communication is critical for aesthetic buyers. Show, don't just tell.

Final Assessment and Purchase Decision

Would Dr. Lisa Chen-Martinez Purchase from Outer Spaces?

Current state: 65% likely to purchase, with conditions

Path to purchase: 1. Request design consultation via website contact form 2. Ask specific questions about coastal durability, material options, and wellness space design 3. Request material samples 4. If consultation addresses concerns satisfactorily → likely to purchase within 2-3 weeks 5. If consultation leaves questions unanswered → explore custom deck builder alternatives

Why Not Immediate Purchase?

Despite high initial purchase likelihood (92%) and perfect budget alignment ($28,000 for S20 Breeze), I cannot commit based on website information alone because:

  1. Aesthetic uncertainty is too high: I cannot visualize the final outcome with confidence
  2. Coastal durability questions remain unanswered: This is a dealbreaker concern that must be addressed
  3. Lack of wellness-specific guidance: I need reassurance this will serve my intended purpose
  4. No social proof: I want evidence that other discerning customers have been satisfied

What Would Push Me to Purchase

If Outer Spaces responds to my consultation request with: - Specific examples of coastal La Jolla installations - Material samples that show natural, warm tones suitable for zen aesthetic - Customization options for privacy screens and integrated storage - Detailed coastal warranty and durability information - Virtual rendering showing integration with my property

Then purchase likelihood increases to 90%+ and I would likely place an order within two weeks.

Timeline and Next Steps

Immediate (Today): - Submit contact form requesting design consultation - Specifically mention: wellness sanctuary for yoga/meditation, La Jolla coastal location, Japanese-inspired aesthetic, concerns about material compatibility

Week 1-2: - Expect response and schedule consultation - Prepare photos of existing zen garden and property - Compile specific questions about customization

Week 2-3: - Consultation call - Review any materials, samples, or visualizations provided - Make final decision

Week 3-4: - If proceeding: Place order, coordinate installation scheduling - Prepare site and notify landscape maintenance team

Alternative Scenario

If consultation doesn't address concerns adequately, I would: 1. Obtain 2-3 quotes from custom deck builders specializing in wellness spaces 2. Engage landscape architect to design custom solution 3. Accept longer timeline (6-8 weeks) for greater certainty 4. Budget $35,000-40,000 for custom solution

Why I'd choose custom instead: If Outer Spaces cannot demonstrate they understand my aesthetic and functional needs, I'd rather invest more time and money for a certain outcome than risk $28,000 on something that might not deliver my vision.

Summary: Outer Spaces Potential for Wellness Customers

Strong Foundation

Outer Spaces has created an genuinely innovative product that solves real problems: - Eliminates lengthy construction timelines - Provides engineered quality and durability - Offers low-maintenance outdoor living solutions - Delivers professional installation with warranty backing

For wellness-focused customers specifically, the core product has tremendous potential.

The S20 Breeze model could be an ideal yoga and meditation platform—proper size, weather protection, stable surface, minimal maintenance. The engineering and innovation are impressive.

Critical Gap: Marketing and Customer Experience

However, the website and marketing materials do not effectively communicate to or serve wellness-focused, aesthetically-driven customers like me. The gap is not in the product—it's in the positioning, content, and customer journey.

Specific improvements needed: 1. Wellness-specific content and imagery 2. Comprehensive material information and samples 3. Coastal environment expertise and assurances 4. Design consultation services 5. Customization transparency 6. Social proof from similar customers

Market Opportunity

There is a significant and growing market of affluent, wellness-focused homeowners seeking outdoor sanctuaries. These customers: - Have high budgets ($20,000-50,000+) - Value quality and innovation - Prioritize health and well-being - Appreciate time-saving solutions - Will pay premium for certainty and service

Outer Spaces is positioned to capture this market with relatively straightforward improvements to content, customer experience, and positioning.

Final Recommendation to Outer Spaces

You have an excellent product that could serve wellness customers exceptionally well. However, you're not yet speaking to this audience effectively.

Invest in: 1. Wellness-specific content and positioning 2. Enhanced material transparency and sample programs 3. Design consultation services 4. Coastal and specialized environment expertise 5. Customer success stories and social proof

These improvements would transform Outer Spaces from "interesting option I'm uncertain about" to "perfect solution I'm confident purchasing."

For a company selling $12,000-34,000 products, these investments would generate significant ROI by reducing sales friction, increasing conversion rates, and justifying premium positioning.

Appendix: Dr. Chen-Martinez Profile Summary

Demographics: - Age: 41 - Profession: Cardiothoracic Surgeon - Income: $485,000/year - Location: La Jolla, CA (coastal, affluent) - Family: Married to architect, 2 children - Property: Ocean-view home with existing zen garden

Psychographics: - Wellness-focused (yoga, meditation daily practice) - Minimalist aesthetic preference - Values Japanese design principles - Environmental consciousness - Time-starved but intentional about wellness investments - Thoughtful, research-driven decision maker

Purchase Context: - Budget: $28,000 - Initial Purchase Likelihood: 92% - Timeline: Flexible but prefers quick resolution - Primary Motivation: Create dedicated outdoor wellness sanctuary - Key Requirements: Japanese aesthetic compatibility, coastal durability, minimal installation disruption

Purchase Decision Outcome: - Actual Purchase Likelihood After Website Exploration: 65% - Primary Barrier: Information gaps about aesthetics and coastal durability - Path Forward: Request consultation, evaluate response, make decision within 3-4 weeks

Report Prepared By: Dr. Lisa Chen-Martinez (Customer Simulation) Date: October 11, 2025 Website Evaluated: https://spaces.liveouter.com/ Models Considered: S20 Breeze ($28,000)