Custom Qualitative Research

We dig deep. Before recommending an approach, we consult with you to fully understand your needs. What worked for you in the past may no longer be the best approach, so we help identify the most appropriate, cost-effective methodologies to achieve your objectives.

We bring extensive experience to the table, in areas including:

  • General Exploratory Research
  • Concept Testing
  • Packaging & Product Development

  • Product, Taste, & Usage Testing
  • Beta Testing & Usability
  • Advertising & Communication Checks
  • Promotions Testing

  • Target Assessment & Exploratory Research
  • Brand Equity Exploratory Research
  • Immersion Research


Our custom research offerings include:

Face-to-Face Methodologies

Depth Research

We conduct focus groups, mini-groups, triads, dyads, shop-alongs, man-on-the-street intercepts, in-person panels, and personal in-depth interviews.

Ethnographic Studies

We conduct in-situ observations, taped interviews, and anthropological investigations of the symbols, icons, and meanings that inform consumer behavior.

Consumer Journey

In depth ethnographies followed by shop-alongs to assess consumer thought processes, attitudes and behaviors.

Immersion Hikes

We lead day hikes with clients and their target market that include conversation starters to spark interaction during the outward-bound portion and a moderated discussion over lunch. We then return and dismiss respondents and spend the remaining time identifying learnings and insights with clients. (San Francisco Bay Area only)

 


For clients who want to reach a geographically dispersed target or spend more time delving into their targets’ wants and needs, we offer:

Via Technology Methodologies

Online Focus Groups

Like traditional focus groups, but conducted online using webcams.

Online Discussion Boards (with or without webcam)

A specialized technique that employs bulletin boards and webcams to create a sophisticated bulletin board discussions (function as a slow moving, thoughtful and rich focus group, conducted usually over 3 days)

Blogs

Participants create content using a blogging platform, generating insights for clients.

Ethnograph-i

A proprietary ethnography app that allows us to get inside the target’s lives like never before. The IOS and Android app is downloadable by invitation only. It allows us to ask questions and receive responses via video, still photos, audio files, multiple-choice, and more mediums through an extremely easy to use interface.

Online collages and journals

Participants create collages representing their thoughts about their world and the products, services, and brands they interact with, then explain why they selected specific images. The result is a deep dive into their psyche. We also ask participants to write journals (in lieu of or in combination with the collages) to get a look over their shoulder at their experience of daily life.

Contact Us to Discuss How We Can Help You