Product testing
All products, whether intended for the consumer sector or specialised markets (BtoB), can be subject to analytical or hedonic evaluations.
Consumer testing can therefore be used to improve understanding of expectations and preferences using specific and qualitative targeting on a sufficiently large panel. And more specific descriptive analysis is used to measure the sensory properties of a product.
Consumer testing
Hedonic consumer testing is used to obtain ratings for your products or concepts. Results are based on the most relevant criteria and their comparison using statistical tests.
This type of test is based on a rating system, which is used to measure the level of pleasure experienced (hedonism) when the given product is consumed or used.
The standards require a minimum number of consumers for statistically reliable findings, but the greater the number of opinions, the more accurate the result. Tests are therefore often carried out with several hundred panellists. Depending on how the product is used, consumer testing can be performed in a laboratory or in the panellists’ own homes.
Expert testing
Expert testing involves panellists describing products according to a range of criteria, assessed on intensity scales. The notion of pleasure is not addressed, only the specific and intrinsic product properties.
A panel is therefore set up — an expert panel of individuals who have been trained to describe products.
Our services
Product performance
Product performance
To measure the level of acceptability of products, identify preferences among products, rank products based on consumer views, emphasise strengths/weaknesses, identify areas for improvement and key drivers, etc.
Practical information:
- Location: test room / home
- Field: quanti / quali
Claim / substantiation
Claim / substantiation
To strengthen a product communication strategy based on proven results or consolidate the sales pitch to retail outlets.
Practical information:
- Location: online / test room
- Field: quanti
Concept/product match
Concept/product match
To assess whether the communication strategy and perceived image match the product tested (upstream, during the innovation process).
Practical information:
- Location: online / test room
- Field: quanti / quali
Sensory profile
Sensory profile
Performed by sensory experts to identify the intrinsic characteristics of a product, to monitor its quality on an ongoing basis or position it in its market.
Practical information:
- Location: test room
- Field: senso
Flash profile
Flash profile
Performed by heavy users and/or sensory experts to obtain a quick, basic description of a product market. Descriptors may be provided or the evaluators may choose their own.
Practical information:
- Location: test room
- Field: quanti / senso
Online qualitative approach
Online qualitative approach
A process that is used if products have already been distributed; a similar approach to focus groups but performed at home via the Internet and coordinated by an interactive leader.
Practical information:
- Location: online
- Field: quali
Free sorting
Free sorting
To categorise products based on their sensory characteristics, by grouping together products that are seen as being similar in sensory terms.
Practical information:
- Location: test room
- Field: quanti / senso
Price positionning
Price positionning
Price testing can be carried out in conjunction with product testing so as to determine the optimal price before a product is brought to market (psychological pricing).
Practical information:
- Location: online / test room
- Field: quanti
Focus Group
Focus Group
To generate and compare ideas about a given product and explain preferences. Also used to provide a thorough understanding of the attitudes and behaviours of consumers with regard to a product, a market, an idea, etc.
Practical information:
- Location: test room
- Field: quali
Face to face
Face to face
After products are distributed: what hinders or motivates testers to use them (testing in context at home, at the office, in the workplace, etc.). Without distributing products: gathering usage and attitude data, usage predictions, etc. Option of assessing products in real-life situations: at the consumer's home, in the way and at the time they are used to, etc.
Practical information:
- Location: test room
- Field: quali
Product reformulation
Product reformulation
To gauge the appeal of a new version of the product as compared with the current version and/or the competition.
Practical information:
- Location: online / test room / home
- Field: quanti / quali
