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?

Jeff Bezos recently proclaimed that market research isn’t really helpful. In his letter to Amazon shareholders, he denounced the merits of market research—which surprised many given the company’s reliance on data-informed decision making. From my perspective, he is spectacularly wrong; even if there are nuggets of truth in his commentary. While Bezos’ sentiment may have a little bit of truth in it—the bulk of your customers can’t imagine products that haven’t yet been invented—market research still plays a critically important role at successful organizations, including Amazon.

For some time, organizations have used experience design (XD) research to help sculpt processes, services, events, and products that customers would interact with. This kind of research focuses on the quality of each experience and the context surrounding how people experience it. 

The fastest growing organizations today are using agile approaches to consumer feedback in order to get to market faster with better ideas. These approaches offer opportunities for marketing, innovation and market research teams to create positive change. Whether you are working to bring change to your organization, or you are being disrupted by your organizations need for speed, this blog will help you with concrete examples and recommendations.