Tracking Usage and Feedback
In-home testing employs various methods to track product usage and gather feedback during the testing period:
Mobile apps
Apps allow easy capturing of video diaries, surveys, notes, and usage data. Researchers can also remind and nudge participants through the app.
Product sensors
Built-in sensors can track usage metrics like hours operated, cycles completed, buttons pushed, and more.
Wearable cameras
First-person perspective cameras worn by testers capture product interactions and environments.
Product diagnostics
Diagnostics built into products can report performance data like speed, temperature, errors, etc.
Mobile ethnography
Participants use a smartphone to capture images, audio, or video at key moments to tell the usage story.
Usage diaries
Testers log product usage sessions, thoughts, frustrations, or ideas.
Key Metrics to Track
Usage testing aims to capture both quantitative and qualitative data. Key metrics to track include:
Frequency How often is the product used? Daily? Weekly? Occasionally?
Duration How long are usage sessions? Does duration change over time?
Environment Where and when is the product used? Home? Work? Travel? Morning or night?
Use cases What activities is the product used for? As advertised or new uses?
Features Which features get used? Not used? Confusing? Enjoyable?
Ease of use How much effort does the product require? What causes frustrations?
Satisfaction How happy are users with the product experience? What drives satisfaction/dissatisfaction?
Choosing the Right Sample
An effective in-home usage test requires choosing the appropriate sample:
Demographic mix:
Test with different ages, genders, income levels, family sizes, etc.
Geographic spread:
Include participants from various regions to identify regional differences.
Usage frequency:
Recruit both heavy and light expected usage groups.
New vs existing:
Test with both new customers and existing brand users.
Personas:
Recruit participants who represent your core customer personas.
Large sample:
Larger sample sizes reveal more robust insights and reduce anomalies.
Prescreening:
Carefully pre-qualify participants on key attributes to achieve your target sample.
The sample composition can make or break the validity of in-home testing results. Work closely with research teams and recruiters to obtain your ideal user profile mix.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is in-home usage testing?
In-home usage testing sends products directly to selected consumers to use in their natural environments over an extended period. It gathers insights through usage metrics, surveys, video/photo capture, mobile apps, and more.
What can you learn from in-home testing?
In-home testing reveals real-world product usage, likes/dislikes, areas for improvement, comparisons to competitors, appeal amongst target segments, and more through both usage data and qualitative feedback.
How long do in-home tests take?
Most in-home tests run from several days to 2-3 weeks. Extended timeframes capture daily and varied usage. Shorter 1-3 day “quick takes” are also possible.
How much does in-home testing cost?
Costs vary based on incentives, test duration, sample size, and tracking methods. Expect to invest around $100-$500 per participant for robust testing. Larger samples provide more significant insights.
When should you start in-home testing?
Begin consumer testing as early as possible, even with rough prototypes. Early feedback can significantly improve the end product. Continue testing through launch.
In-home testing provides invaluable usage insights and consumer perspectives that can’t be matched by lab studies or surveys alone. For consumer products and innovations, it’s an investment that can pay off in the form of improved market success.
Final Thoughts
In-home usage testing delivers incredibly valuable insights through extended, real-world testing and comprehensive consumer feedback. If designed and executed effectively, it can significantly improve product experiences, adoption, satisfaction, and business outcomes.
Consider integrating in-home usage testing into your research and development process to create resonating products tailored to your target consumers’ needs and preferences.
