We are now many months into our new reality of sheltering in place and social distancing during the COVID-19 crisis. How are consumer shopping and purchasing behavior evolving, and more importantly what behaviors are likely to "stick"? As an online qualitative technology solution, we used our platform to conduct rapid, in-context qualitative research to help brands build a deeper understanding of how they can strategically adjust products and messaging to meet changing consumer needs.

Business – and the world – have changed rapidly due to the onset and spread of COVID-19. As companies worldwide consider how to operate in an environment of social distancing and remote teams, it’s no surprise that we are seeing an increased demand for online research. Companies can’t conduct in-person research or focus groups right now and need an alternative. Online qualitative research is a great one.

Do you need to conduct research in the coming weeks or months? What should you consider? What are participants saying and how are they responding?

Smart organizations understand that—if they want to stick around for the foreseeable future—they need to innovate. It’s that simple.

In a 1989 letter to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders, Warren Buffett shared a lesson he learned over the course of his career that he’s stuck with ever since: After some mistakes, I learned to go into business only with people whom I like, trust, and admire.

Thanks to new research approaches, all companies—even those with storied histories—can innovate as quickly as startups, leveraging consumer insights to inform the best way forward.