8 Advantages of In-Home Product Testing Over Central Location Tests

Companies often use product testing for feedback from real customers, allowing them to improve products before launch. Two of the most common methods of testing include an in-home usage test (IHUT) and a central location test (CLT). In this article, we share with you reasons why in-home testing products are the better choice.

1. In-Home Product Testing Helps Create a Natural Response

Allowing consumers to test a product in the comfort of their homes helps provide a more natural response.

The testing occurs in a natural environment instead of a controlled central location. This allows consumers to interact with the product exactly as they would if they had purchased it and brought it home.

2. In-Home Testing Helps Refine Prototypes

In-home testing products are often prototypes. Companies can use in-home testing to receive feedback on prototypes before developing the final version of a product.

You can use the feedback from consumers to refine your product and improve its design before releasing it to the public.

3. In-Home Testing Expands Your Reach

You can reach more potential participants with at-home testing compared to central location testing. Most people do not want to travel to participate in a study, even if they are compensated for their time.

With in-home testing, people can test products without leaving their houses. This increases participation. You may find it easier to attract participants for your tests when offering in-home testing. You can also reach participants in other countries.

4. Receive Honest Opinions and Feedback

Participants are more likely to offer honest opinions and feedback when testing products from their homes. Participants in a central location may feel pressured to hold back on negative responses.

Receiving an honest appraisal is essential for identifying any potential faults before the official product launch. You can fix any issues and deliver a better product.

5. Choose from a Variety of Survey Formats

In-home testing is typically completed at a time that works best for the participant. They test the product and submit their feedback via a survey.

The survey can be completed using a variety of formats. Common choices include web-based forms, mobile apps, and paper questionnaires.

Encouraging participants to complete the survey as they test the product can help ensure more accurate feedback. If a participant waits too long, their opinion may become skewed based on their emotions.

6. You Do Not Need a Physical Location

Not all businesses have a physical location where they can arrange to meet with large groups, such as a focus group for central location testing. In some cases, businesses may choose to rent out temporary office space, which adds to the cost of testing.

In-home product testing helps reduce the cost of testing, as you do not need to compensate consumers for parking or spend extra on office space. Sending products to consumers’ homes also simplifies the logistics of your testing.

7. Give Your Business a Competitive Advantage

If your competitors do not currently rely on in-home usage tests (IHUTs), you can give your business a competitive advantage.

The insight that you gain can help you better understand the needs of your customers. You become better equipped to address your customers’ biggest pressure points. The changes that you make to your products based on customer feedback can also help you create a more attractive option for consumers.

8. Third-Party Companies Arrange Testing

In-home product testing is another area where businesses can save time and money by outsourcing. You can outsource your testing to a company that specializes in in-home usage tests.

These companies understand how to reach out and attract participants. They handle the entire process, from recruiting participants to sending the products and collecting feedback.