In other entries in our weekly blog we have addressed the enormous competitive advantages offered by having programmers and engineers in Market Research work teams. After the COVID-19 pandemic began, it became more evident that online solutions are now the present of our lives. Our segment was no exception and now much progress has been made in launching projects that have tasks based on platforms and applications available on the Internet.
However, these utilities have several limitations and scope that can be greatly expanded if due attention is not paid to the details. And solutions based on computing and the network can fail if all the elements that make them up are not connected effectively. For this reason, we have listed four tips that you should put into practice when you are going to launch applications for a studio.
Check logical jumps. In the era of paper questionnaires, the precision of this function depended on the judgment and good attention of the interviewers. Nowadays the error rate when capturing the answers to questions with leaps of logic has decreased thanks to computing tools. However, since these are created by people, there is still a small margin of error in the questions that involve this requirement. For this reason, it is recommended to ensure that these rules are met in all cases.
Bet on greater accessibility. There are plenty of software and hardware alternatives on the market right now. This situation results in a large number of environments that have such differences among themselves that it requires having expert personnel in each of them. Users themselves are aware of this when they compare systems like Android and iOS. For this reason, programmers must offer applications that run on as many browsers, operating systems and programming languages as possible.
Adapt the texts. An obstacle that has been overcome thanks to network access is that projects can now be executed at the same time in countless territories. As is also common knowledge, this implies that the same data and information capture instrument must be available in many different languages and alphabets. This situation has many solutions, including using competent automatic online translators or programming different versions prepared by qualified people and which will be deployed based on factors such as participant responses or the IP address of a device.
Learn from your participants. Before launching an online tool, it goes through various areas and people who test the product before it is used by its end users. Despite this, some flaws do not become evident until they are within reach of the majority. Sometimes, to increase the productivity and precision of the information collected, locks are introduced or responses are pre-programmed that prevent capturing all the knowledge and experience of the participants. If you have a way to obtain feedback from users when using an application, it is worth reviewing it and making any necessary corrections.
When the advice described above is followed, it is possible to access many of the advantages of programming and internet-based tools. On the contrary, delays and rework can be generated that can delay the schedules and budgets defined initially. Fortunately, thanks to the characteristics of the solutions in this matter, the changes have fewer implications than in the past. For example, previously, if a very large batch of a non-competent version of a questionnaire was printed, this represented a significant expense. Today some fixes are limited to an edit of a few lines of code.
At Acertiva we have experience collaborating with clients who work with this type of solutions. Thanks to our more than two decades as a Market Research agency, we can help you know and apply the best practices in your project. Our team of analysts and strategic allies are prepared to support you and be part of your studies. Write to us today so you can tell us your needs and we will respond with how together we will make your next success story a reality.
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