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Home use product testing offers brands developing products numerous advantages. From observing how a product performs within its intended environment to studying unscripted user behaviour, this type of testing provides brands with a wealth of feedback that can be used to improve product design and functionality.
But what feedback methods are available with home use product testing (sometimes referred to as in-home use testing)? Well, the good news is that there are several different ways to gather feedback from participants.
Here are four of the most popular methods:
1. Online Questionnaires
One of the cheapest and easiest ways to gather feedback and intelligence from a home use product test is via online questionnaires. These online forms allow participants to provide feedback on their experience in their own words, and brands can use this feedback to improve their products.
There are plenty of options within these questionnaires, from survey-style multiple-choice questions to open-ended questions that encourage participants to provide detailed feedback. This feedback method is an excellent option for brands on a tight budget or those looking to test a product on specific criteria.
2. One-on-One Interviews
Another option for researchers is conducting one-on-one interviews with the product testers. This format can be arranged either in-person or online via video call, allowing for a more in-depth conversation about the product experience.
The obvious advantage of interviews is that you gain more detailed, qualitative feedback from the participants. One-on-one interviews are excellent for uncovering user needs and understanding how a product is being used in the real world.
3. In-Home Observations
In-home observation involves researchers visiting participants’ homes and physically watching them using the products. This type of feedback is incredibly valuable as it allows brands to see first-hand how their products are being used and identify any potential issues.
This technique has saved some of the world’s biggest brands from failure, including Febreze. It’s often complemented with an in-person interview since researchers can ask questions in real time as they observe the product being used.
4. Telephone Surveys
Lastly, another popular option is telephone surveys. They work much in the same way as online questionnaires, except testers are able to provide more detail in their answers, and researchers can ask probing questions to elicit more information.
This feedback method is beneficial for getting insights from hard-to-reach demographics who might not be able to deliver online responses. It also removes some of the potential bias issues that come with trying to give honest feedback to someone in person.
Contact WSS to Discuss Your In-Home Product Testing Needs
Home use product testing delivers various benefits to brands, but the feedback-gathering process can be daunting. If you’re unsure which method is suitable for your needs, get in touch with the team at Wirral Sensory Services.
We have over 25 years of experience conducting in-home product testing for various brands and products. We can tailor both the testing and feedback methodology to your specific needs to deliver the insights you require.
So, if you want to find out more about our in-home product testing services or discuss your requirements in more detail with a member of our team, don’t hesitate to get in touch today.
