Research-live.com on Mobile Research timing

Jay Pluhar is vice president of strategic accounts at MarketTools, which provides software and services for research and feedback management. He wrote a very informative Blog about the evolution of mobile research, and here are some highlights:

• The world has gone mobile, and so has the web - According to IDC there are currently 4.6 billion mobile devices in use worldwide, and that number is estimated to increase to 5.9 billion in 2013. The global population is 6.9 billion.
• Mobile connects us to consumers in new ways - Traditional research is an ‘appointment-based’ interaction, with participants expected to take time out of their days to participate in studies. Today, more than ever, people are more likely to avoid committing to appointments in their busy lives.
• Tablet devices like the iPad provide researchers with tools that make research easier and more effective. Examples:
  • MarketTools has used iPads to conduct on-site interviews for a major CPG company.
  • A wireless connection allows researchers to segment customers in the grocery store aisle in real time, delivering a highly customised interview process.
  • The user-friendly iPad, together with a highly focused survey experience, makes the research process more interesting for respondents, improving the quality of participant engagement.
• Mobile lets you learn as you go - As companies discover new ways to measure and collect feedback through mobile, new business insights and opportunities will follow.

Full article.