In Support of the Recent Need to (Quickly) Migrate to Online Research
Interview with Mathilde Lelièvre
Digital technology forever changes market research with expanded access, greater efficiencies and more data points than had ever been available before. But there were perceived limitations of technology and the digital environment that prevented even seasoned researchers from moving all efforts online. Recent global events and the rise of employees almost exclusively working from home, has researchers hurrying to move entirely online, without sacrificing any offline benefits.
Toluna has invaluable assistance to offer built on two decades of innovation in digital research. Our teams have created tools and developed expertise that equals the privacy, security and data delivery found in the offline research experience. Toluna EVP of Global Operations Mathilde Lelièvre is here to answer questions on digital research and data needs.
Why hasn’t everyone moved their research online?
Mathilde: Moving online is easier said than done. Clients are used to certain methodologies and certain providers. Even in our most mature markets, like the U.S., where online research is a given, there are still some clients who hesitate to move all research online as there are perceived concerns around security and data quality.
However, we have developed tools including concept testing, shelf testing, virtual shopping, image protection technology and sampling methodology that allow us to deliver data with the same confidence and quality as if it were conducted offline.
What is the hesitation about going online?
Mathilde: Whatever the hesitations were, the current reality requires clients to move online if they want to continue conducting research. Clients who were accustomed to a certain methodology are suddenly forced to quickly adjust.
We identified three main concerns:
What are the best ways to address the challenges?
Mathilde: Toluna was born online. That’s where our knowledge and expertise lie. We felt uniquely qualified to design a program and learning modules, providing the keys, best practices and methodologies to move online. Researchers may be pleasantly surprised to find that they can safely continue their work without learning everything from scratch.
What are the biggest or the most common concerns?
Mathilde: Hands down, the biggest concern is around quality. People are using research to address important business decisions. They need to ensure the quality of the panel, survey and data protection.
Should there still be concerns with online research?
Mathilde: I’d say that most concerns and questions regarding on line research have now been addressed, through technology and service excellence.
We are a technology company so we can address client needs through our proprietary tech.
But
we also pride ourselves on our ability to offer service that quell concerns.
For example, we’ve
had clients used to doing shelf-testing asking us how we can recreate this
experience online. We created virtual shops where users can have the full in
store experience in digital environments. In other words, we work with our
clients to make the impossible possible.
Since concerns around on line research seem similar, is there a one-size-fits-all solution?
Mathilde: Certainly not. We provide a wide range of services and offerings, depending on needs. We can offer services to help with the process for data collection or enable clients to do it for themselves. We leave our clients free on how they want to access online respondents. However, we are always available to ensure that they get the level of service needed to achieve their goals.