Contract Consumer Testing - Typical project steps
1 - Meet with client
- Evaluate food products for testing
- Determine client's objectives for consumer sensory research
- Decide with client on appropriate tests
2 - Design project
- Determine resources and dates for testing
- Establish budget and timeline for tests
- Propose plan of work, dates and budget to client
- Complete and sign service contract with client
3 - Prepare for sensory tests
- Recruit, screen and schedule consumers (on-site testing), OR arrange venues for off-site testing
- Prepare computerized ballots and random sample presentation
- Assign resources for food product preparation
- Code serving materials
4 - Conduct sensory tests
5 - Analyze results and write report
6 - Report results to client
For more information contact: Ann Colonna
Contract Focus Groups or Consumer Interviews - Typical project steps
1 - Meet with client
- Evaluate food products or concepts for evaluation
- Determine client's objectives for focus group or consumer interviews
- Decide with client on appropriate session design
2 - Design project
- Determine resources and dates for sessions
- Establish budget and timeline for sessions
- Propose plan of work, dates and budget to client
- Complete and sign service contract with client
3 - Prepare for focus groups or interview sessions
- Establish screening criteria for consumer participants with client
- Recruit, screen and schedule consumer participants
- Prepare moderator outline or interview survey tool with client
- Prepare any ballots or survey tools to include in sessions or interviews
- Prepare any concept presentation materials or food concept samples
- Assign resources for food product preparation if needed for day of session
4 - Conduct consumer interviews or moderate focus group sessions
5 - Meet with viewing clients after focus group sessions to debrief
6 - Tabulate any survey results and analyze recorded sessions
7 - Write final report or presentation for client