Category: tech

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The Power of Partnerships in Research 

  • March 26, 2024

  • Eyes4Research

In market research, the idea of collaboration is a marker of innovation instead of a constraint. While some researchers might harbor reservations about sharing insights or data with partners, the reality is that research partnerships can spark growth, deepen understanding, and encourage a climate of community within industries. 

Here is why research partnerships are not only beneficial but crucial for driving meaningful insights and propelling B2C and B2B businesses forward. 

Pooling Expertise for Enhanced Insights

Research partnerships bring together diverse perspectives, expertise, and resources. Collaborating with other organizations, institutions, or experts allows for a broader scope of analysis and interpretation. 

By pooling these resources, teams can access specialized knowledge, methodologies, and tools that might not be readily available in-house. This collective expertise often leads to research that is more comprehensively designed, higher-quality data, and more nuanced insights that go beyond the confines of individual capabilities. 

Accelerating Innovation and Problem-Solving

Innovation thrives in environments where ideas can intersect and collide. Research partnerships serve as catalysts for innovation by creating environments where creativity flourishes. Collaborative endeavors encourage brainstorming, experimentation, and the exploration of new methodologies. 

When organizations join forces, they can tackle complex challenges more effectively, uncover new solutions, and stay ahead of rapidly changing market trends

Expanding Reach and Diversity

Partnerships enable research efforts to transcend geographic and demographic boundaries. By collaborating with diverse partners, researchers gain access to varied perspectives, cultural insights, and market nuances. 

This expanded reach allows for more inclusive and representative research outcomes, ensuring that insights resonate with a broader audience. In addition, partnerships facilitate access to untapped markets, niche demographics, and hard-to-reach populations, enabling organizations to uncover hidden opportunities and address the unmet needs of consumers. 

Building Trust and Credibility

In an era marked by data privacy concerns and ethical considerations, research partnerships underscore transparency, accountability, and integrity. Aligning with reputable partners allows organizations to enhance their credibility and build trust among stakeholders. 

Collaborative research initiatives demonstrate a commitment to rigorous methodologies, ethical standards, and data privacy principles. 

Why Custom Custom Online Panels Are Important

As B2C and B2B businesses navigate the complexities of the digital age, accessing reliable and actionable insights is crucial. Custom online panels offer a dynamic platform for collecting targeted feedback and uncovering actionable intelligence. 

At Eyes4Research, we specialize in designing and managing custom online panels that are tailored to our clients’ unique research needs. Here is how custom online panels empower our clients: 

  • Target Specific Audiences: Online panels allow B2C and B2B businesses to define precise demographics, behaviors, and psychographics to reach their target audience with precision. 
  • Capture Real-Time Insights: Organizations can leverage surveys, discussions, and multimedia content to capture real-time feedback from panel members. 
  • Drive Strategic Decision-Making: B2C and B2B businesses can translate insights into actionable strategies that drive innovation, enhance customer experience, and propel business growth. 
  • Ensure Data Security and Compliance: Prioritize data security, privacy, and compliance with industry protocols and best practices. 

With Eyes4Research, our clients harness the power of partnership and unlock the potential of custom online panels to drive informed decision-making encourage innovation, and stay ahead in today’s competitive business landscape. 

Online panels are powerful tools that provide a more affordable way for B2C and B2B businesses to collect valuable data to determine the value of their brand’s product or service. Eyes4Research has everything your company needs to collect high-quality insights from consumers. Our panels are comprised of B2B, B2C, and specialty audiences ready to participate in your next research project. Learn more about our online panels here.

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Here Is Why You Should Be Doing More Research

  • February 21, 2024

  • Eyes4Research

The advertising industry constantly evolves, and understanding consumer behavior and preferences is paramount for success. Advertising agencies are crucial in crafting campaigns that resonate with target audiences. However, agencies must prioritize effective market research initiatives to truly excel in this space. 

Let’s dive into the significance of market research for advertising agencies and learn more about why these agencies should consider integrating online panels into their strategies. 

Understanding Consumer Dynamics

Consumer behavior is dynamic, and influenced by various factors such as socio-economic trends, cultural shifts, and technological advancements. To stay ahead in the competitive advertising arena, agencies need to decipher these complexities effectively. 

Traditional research methods, such as focus groups and surveys have their place for certain, but often fall short in capturing real-time insights. 

The Need for Comprehensive Research

While advertising agencies have historically relied on conventional market research techniques, the ever-changing digital era demands a more agile and data-driven approach. In this environment, decisions need to be informed by up-to-the-minute data and insights. Here is where custom online panels emerge as a game-changer for advertising agencies. 

The Power of Online Panels

Online panels offer a dynamic platform for conducting market research with unparalleled efficiency and depth. By leveraging online panels, such as the ones Eyes4Research creates and manages for our advertising agency clients, agencies gain access to diverse pools of respondents representing various demographics, geographies, and psychographics. This diversity enables advertising agencies to conduct targeted research tailored to specific client needs. 

What Are the Key Advantages of Online Panels for Advertising Agencies? 

  • Speed and Efficiency: Online panels facilitate rapid data collection, allowing advertising agencies to gain insights swiftly and respond to market dynamics in real time. 
  • Cost-effectiveness: Compared to traditional research methods, online panels offer a cost-effective solution, enabling advertising agencies to allocate resources more efficiently while maintaining research quality. 
  • Access to Diverse Demographics: With online panels, advertising agencies can reach a vast pool of respondents, ensuring comprehensive representation across demographics and segments. 
  • Flexibility and Customization: Online panels enable agencies to design surveys and research methodologies tailored to their specific objectives offering unparalleled flexibility and customization. 
  • Insights Into Emerging Trends: By employing online panels, advertising agencies gain valuable insights into emerging trends, consumer preferences, and market shifts, empowering them to craft more relevant and impactful campaigns. 

The world we live in is hyper-connected, and the success of advertising campaigns hinges on the ability of advertising agencies to understand and adapt to evolving consumer dynamics. By embracing online panels as a cornerstone of their market research strategy, advertising agencies can unlock a wealth of insights, enhance campaign effectiveness, and stay ahead in an increasingly competitive landscape. 

Advertising agencies that leverage the power of online panels will elevate their market research efforts to new heights and be rewarded with higher-quality consumer insights and more effective campaigns. 

Online panels are powerful tools that provide a more affordable way for advertising agencies to collect valuable data to determine the value of their brand’s product or service. Eyes4Research has everything your company needs to collect high-quality insights from consumers. Our panels are comprised of B2B, B2C, and specialty audiences ready to participate in your next research project. Learn more about our online panels here.

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Has the EV Market Run out of Gas?

  • February 12, 2024

  • Eyes4Research

Five years ago electric vehicles (EVs) were the consumer rage and appeared poised to overtake traditional, combustion engine autos in sales. Propelled by a number of factors, including government subsidies, environmental consciousness, and the allure of new technology, automakers couldn’t roll out new EV models fast enough. But within the last year that’s all seemed to have changed. Although EV sales are still growing, they appear to have peaked and automakers have responded by cutting back production and sales. Auto brands, car dealerships, investors, and consumers that understand this trend, and where it might go, will be in a position to possibly take advantage of the current EV slump.

You’ve certainly been affected by the EV revolution in some way. You may own an EV or know someone who does, and if you don’t then you’ve seen EV charging stations or watched several commercials for the latest EV brand. There’s no doubt that EVs have staked out a significant segment of the auto market, but it’s also true that the EV revolution has fallen short of some expectations. So let’s take a look at the EV industry and the problems it’s recently faced and why, as well as what investors and consumers can expect in the future.

The Green Dream 

Although EVs may have only recently entered the public counscieneness at a major level, the first cars with batteries were invented in the late 1800s. In fact, by 1900 EVs were one-third of the cars on the road, but they were soon after replaced by autos with combustion powered engines and all but forgotten for decades

The concept of EVs was brought back in the late twentieth century during the gas crises and oil embargos and then in the 2000s when the push for renewable, green energy became popular with many in government, especially those on the left of the political spectrum. The green energy push has led some state to pass laws requiring that all new automobiles sold within their borders must have zero emissions by a certain date. So far, California has set a date of 2035 with Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Washington, and Rhode Island all committing to banning new sales of combustion engine autos at a future date

The federal government has recently also used the law to promote EVs. As part of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2023, which the Democrat controlled Congress passed, and was signed by Democrat President Joseph Biden, EV buyers are eligible for tax credits. So, different state governments and the federal government have clearly used a “carrot and stick” approach to push consumers to buy EVs and the numbers show that this may have initially been successful, but things now appear to be going the other way.

Sagging Sales

EV sales peaked in 2022 and although growth continued in 2023 the pace slowed significantly. Analysts now believe that Biden’s target of EVs capturing 50% of the auto market by 2030 seems like a pipe dream. Yet if EV sales continued to grow in 2023, why the negative forecast for the space?

The reasons for analysts being bullish on EVs involves a number of different factors, although for the most part it comes down to the simple economic concept of supply and demand. Automakers made major cutbacks on nearly all EV models and prices in 2023. Tesla slashed prices on all its models while Ford reduced production on its much hyped EV F-150 and postponed $12 billion in EV spending. General Motors also announced that it has delayed the launches of three of its new EV models

The pullback by auto makers has extended to car rental and sales companies as well. Car rental giant, Hertz, recently announced that it’s selling about 20,000 EVs from its fleet, which includes Teslas. This is just two years after Hertz made a deal with Tesla to buy its newest models after the rental company planned to convert 25% of its fleet to electric by the end of 2024. The EV slump has also hurt car dealerships across the US.

The car sales industry uses the term “days’ supply” to describe how long it takes for current inventory to sell at the current sales rate. In late 2023, the days’ supply for EVs averaged about eighty-eight days, which was double what it was one year prior. By comparison, the average days’ supply for combustion engine vehicles was fifty-nine days in late 2023, which was normal by industry standards. All of this indicates that the demand for EVs has simply waned, but the reasons for the EV slump are a little complicated.

Not Buying into Electric 

Among the many factors that have driven consumers to shy away from EVs, economic considerations are at the forefront. But even these economic factors are a bit more complex. For example, one of the practical selling points of EVs was that they more than pay for themselves by saving money from not having to buy gas. When the gas prices skyrocketed in 2022, EV sales were at their peak, but just one year later gas was down about thirty cents per gallon on average, which many experts believe pushed consumers to purchase what they view as more reliable autos – combustion engine vehicles. Consumers are also driven by the still high costs of most EVs.

As EV sales peaked in 2022, they appeared poised to become status symbols just as much as everyday modes of transportation. The reason for the status was partially due to price range remaining outside the budget of most people who view cars as a necessity more than a luxury item. Cox Automotive pegged the average EV price at $50,683 in September 2023, which although down 22% from the previous year is still high compared to combustion engine vehicles. This study was bolstered by a CarGurus report that found EVs were still 28% higher than their combustion engin26e counterparts. Consumers interested in buying EVs can also expect to pay higher interest rates at the dealerships, creating another factor that has dulled consumer demand. Part of the reason for EVs’ higher costs is the novelty, but the technological knowledge and specific components needed to make them are the driving force. 

The battery is the most expensive part of any EV, and the bigger the battery the more expensive the vehicle. One of the major problems consumers often cite with EVs is their limited range, so in order to mitigate this problem manufacturers have made larger batteries for their vehicles. Larger batteries have nominally reduced the range problem, but they’ve also contributed to higher overall costs, creating a sort of catch-22. 

In addition to the costs of EVs, consumers have also cited performance concerns. Range is the number one issue consumers cite, with most EVs offering 250 to 500 miles on a single charge, although those numbers depend upon conditions. Cold weather adversely affects EV batteries and when combined with limited charging networks, has led to problems for some EV owners. A January 2024 polar vortex left some EV owners in Chicago waiting hours in line for charges, bringing another major concern consumers have with EVs. A report by AAA stated that 56% of the people they interviewed cited a lack of convenient charging options as a reason for not going electric. EV owners can purchase home charging stations but they cost several thousand dollars more to an already highly priced auto.

Consumers have also discovered that just because EVs don’t have large block engines, they are far from immune to mechanical and technical problems. A Consumer Reports study showed that from 2021 to 2023, 80% more problems were reported in EVs than their combustion engine counterparts. The economic and performance issues are clearly the driving forces behind consumer disinterest in EVs, but the automakers also have themselves to blame for poor marketing.

The automakers originally marketed EVs as eco-friendly version of combustion vehicles, but consumers quickly found out that this wasn’t true. Although EVs are less complex to build and have simpler drive trains, they are more complex machines in many ways. Many new EV owners are upset when they learn that it takes plenty of training to do the simplest of maintenance on EVs and there are far fewer mechanics who have the background to work on them. Finally, in a country that has become so divided by politics, geography, and age, EVs are often viewed as cars of young, urban liberals. Even Telsa founder and CEO Elon Musk’s recent dabbles with political statements and endorsements of ideas and candidates on the right-wing of the political spectrum have so far not changed this image.

Future Trends

Examining sagging EV sales and the reasons behind it can help investors, auto dealers, and consumers understand what to expect in the future. Don’t expect the EV industry to collapse, but it’s likely automakers will continue with their current pullback of EV models. There’s signs that some automakers are switching production to hybrids, which would politically appease eco-conscious consumers but not necessarily meet government mandates. Toyota has recently increased its hybrid production and currently offers more than twenty models that are all more popular than its EV models

It’s also possible that the federal and different state governments will reconsider some of their EV mandates. It’s very unlikely that the auto industry will meet the federal government’s 2032 goal of 67% of all new vehicles being EVs, as they are currently just under 8% of the market share.

All of this has many potential implications for consumers. If the federal and state governments continue to mandate EV production, the automakers may have to reduce costs further, but it may be at the cost of quality. Auto brands could increase sales with better marketing campaigns that target Middle America as well as emphasizing how EVs are different than combustion vehicles. It may be that EVs will continue to be a niche market in the US, but the automakers that understand how consumer sentiments have driven the current EV slump will be in a position to take advantage of these future trends.

About the author:

An industry leader and influencer – Rudly Raphael specializes in all aspects of research logistical design involving quantitative methodology,  implementing internal system infrastructure to streamline business processes, channelling communication and developing innovative research solutions to ensure Eyes4Research remains a competitive force in the marketplace. An entrepreneur, inventor (patent holder), blogger and writer – his articles have been published in various magazines such as Medium, Ebony Magazine, Bussiness2Community and also cited in various journals and academic publications. 

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Online Panels Can Help You Master Creative Development

  • February 7, 2024

  • Eyes4Research

Advertising is dynamic– crafting compelling B2C and B2B brand messages and captivating creative materials is essential for brands to cut through the noise and resonate with target audiences. Let’s dive into the valuable role of online panels in refining advertising messages and shaping your creative development. 

Understanding Message Testing and Creative Development

Message testing evaluates the effectiveness of advertising messages to ensure they resonate with the intended audience. Meanwhile, creative development involves refining visuals, sounds, and narratives to create engaging and memorable ads. 

Leveraging Online Panels for Message Testing

Custom online panels, such as the ones created and managed for our clients by Eyes4Research, offer a diverse pool of participants, allowing brands to select specific demographics, interests, and behaviors for targeted feedback. Through well-designed surveys, brands can gain valuable insights from panelists about their perceptions of advertising messages and creative elements. 

Collecting Feedback and Insights

Panelists provide feedback on message clarity, relevance, and memorability, helping brands better understand which messages resonate most effectively. Additionally, evaluating creative elements such as imagery, music, and branding aids in refining the visual and auditory components of ads. 

Iterative testing and Optimization

Using iterative testing allows B2C and B2B brands to refine advertising messages and creative elements based on panel feedback. By analyzing data and making adjustments, brands can optimize their campaigns for maximum impact and resonance with the target audience. 

Applying Insights to Advertising Campaigns

Insights gleaned from message testing and creative development inform strategic decisions in advertising campaigns. From media planning to content creation, understanding audience preferences and perceptions enhances the effectiveness of marketing efforts. 

Eyes4Research creates and manages custom online panels that offer our clients the opportunity to tailor their research to specific audience segments ensuring targeted actionable insights. By partnering Eyes4Research, B2C and B2B brands gain access to a robust panel of engaged participants, facilitating efficient and effective message testing and creative development. 

Harnessing the power of online panels for message testing and creative development is key to crafting impactful advertising campaigns. By leveraging insights from panelists, B2C and B2B brands can refine their messaging, captivate audiences, and drive success in the competitive landscape of advertising. Partner with Eyes4Research to unlock the full potential of custom online panels for your team’s marketing strategies

Online panels are powerful tools that provide a more affordable way for companies to gather valuable data to determine the value of their brand’s product or service. Eyes4Research has everything your company needs to collect high-quality insights from consumers. Our panels are comprised of B2B, B2C, and specialty audiences ready to participate in your next research project. Learn more about our online panels here.

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How Successful Brands Can Harness the Flexibility of Online Panels

  • January 30, 2024

  • Eyes4Research

The world of market research is ever-evolving, and B2C and B2B brands that want to stand apart from their competition are turning to online panels to gain invaluable insights and capitalize on their flexibility. Here is a deep dive into how B2C and B2B brands can harness the potential of online panels, and gain an even deeper understanding of consumer behavior and preferences. 

Online panels, such as the panels Eyes4Research creates and manages for our B2C and B2B clients, are virtual communities of diverse individuals who have agreed to participate in research studies. This method allows B2C and B2B brands to tap into various perspectives quickly and efficiently. 

One of the key advantages of online panels is their flexibility. Brands can engage participants in various research activities, such as surveys, discussions, and product testing, at a pace that suits their needs. This agility is invaluable in a business environment that is constantly changing. 

Brands are understandably concerned about the cost of conducting research. Online panels provide a cost-effective alternative to traditional research methods. Custom panels, specifically tailored to a brand’s target audience, maximize efficiency and minimize unnecessary expenses. This ensures that brands get the most value out of their research budget. 

B2C and B2B brands that are interested in taking their research to the next level should consider the advantages of an Eyes4Research custom online panel that is tailored to your brand’s unique needs. Here are just a few of them: 

  • Targeted Audience: Brands can reach the right audience with a panel specifically designed to match their customer demographics. 
  • Strategic Flexibility: Adapt your research approach in real time to stay ahead of market trends and consumer behaviors. 
  • Cost-Efficiency: Maximize your research budget by focusing on the most relevant insights for your brand.
  • Long-Term Relationship: Brands can build a community of engaged participants, ensuring continuous access to valuable feedback and consumer perspectives. 

The custom online panels managed by Eyes4Research provide a dynamic and cost-effective approach to market research for our clients. Brands seeking a deeper understanding of what their customers want and need should embrace the flexibility of custom online panels and consider this method of research to better understand their audience. Online panels are powerful tools that provide a more affordable way for companies to gather valuable data to determine the value of their brand’s product or service. Eyes4Research has everything your company needs to collect high-quality insights from consumers. Our panels are comprised of B2B, B2C, and specialty audiences ready to participate in your next research project. Learn more about our online panels here.

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5 Innovative Ways Online Panels Revolutionize Market Research for Brands

  • January 17, 2024

  • Eyes4Research

Regardless of the industry, B2C and B2B brands continually seek new methodologies to gain deeper insights into consumer behavior, preferences, and trends. Custom online panels, such as the ones created and managed by Eyes4Research for our clients, have emerged as a game-changer, offering B2C and B2B brands opportunities to delve into consumer insights with precision and depth. Here are five ways custom online panels revolutionize market research and empower brands to make data-driven decisions. 

Targeted Audience Engagement

Custom online panels enable B2B and B2C brands to build tailored audiences based on specific demographics, behaviors, or interests. This level of customization allows for targeted engagement with participants who closely align with the brand’s consumer base. By taking a more curated approach with these panels, B2C and B2B brands ensure that their research efforts are directed toward the most relevant audience, yielding richer and more accurate data. 

Flexible Research Design

One of the key advantages of custom online panels is the flexibility they offer in research design. The B2C and B2B brands that Eyes4Research manages online panels for can employ various methodologies, including surveys, discussions, polls, and feedback mechanisms tailored to their specific objectives. This flexibility allows for agile adaptation to changing research needs, ensuring that B2B and B2C brands can gain consumer insights efficiently and effectively. 

Real-Time Data Collection and Analysis

With custom online panels, B2C and B2B brands can collect data in real-time, facilitating quick analysis and actionable insights. This immediacy enables B2C and B2B brands to respond promptly to market shifts and consumer sentiments. By staying on top of trends and preferences in real-time, our B2B clients can make informed decisions and adapt their strategies proactively. 

Track Consumer Preferences and Analyze Trends

The custom online panels at Eyes4Research empower brands to conduct longitudinal studies, observing changes in consumer behavior and preferences over time. This approach unveils invaluable insights into evolving trends, enabling our clients to anticipate shifts in the market and consumer sentiment. This foresight is crucial for strategic planning and product development. 

Enhanced Engagement and Brand Loyalty 

Engaging consumers through custom online panels allows our B2C and B2B clients to create a direct line of communication between brands and their audience. By involving participants in the research process, B2C and B2B brands encourage a sense of involvement and loyalty among their consumer base. Participants feel valued and heard, enhancing brand perception and creating long-term relationships. 

The market is competitive, and the custom online panels that we create and manage for our clients are not just an advantage, but it is a necessity for B2C and B2B brands seeking to thrive in today’s business landscape. By leveraging custom online panels, B2C and B2B brands gain a competitive edge by understanding their audience on a deeper level, adapting quickly to changing market dynamics, and cultivating stronger relationships with their consumers

The era of market research is evolving, and the online panels that we create at Eyes4Research for our clients stand at the forefront of this revolution. B2C and B2B brands that leverage these panels have a wealth of consumer insights at their fingertips, empowering them to make informed decisions, create impactful and effective strategies, and cultivate lasting connections with their audience. 

Online panels are powerful tools that provide a more affordable way for companies to gather valuable data to determine the value of their brand’s product or service. Eyes4Research has everything your company needs to collect high-quality insights from consumers. Our panels are comprised of B2B, B2C, and specialty audiences ready to participate in your next research project. Learn more about our online panels here.

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How Social Media Influences Consumer Healthcare Decision-Making

  • December 29, 2023

  • Eyes4Research

Social media has transcended its initial purpose of connecting people; it has become an influential force in shaping consumer healthcare decisions. The digital realm is now a primary source where consumers seek advice, recommendations, and insights into various healthcare products and services. 

The Impact of Social Media

Statistics underscore the pervasive role of social media in healthcare decision-making. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter) have evolved into hubs where consumers share experiences, seek guidance, and review healthcare offerings. Testimonials, sponsored content, and influencer endorsements wield considerable influence, often swaying consumer choices. 

Understanding Consumer Behavior

Custom online panels, such as the ones created and managed by Eyes4Research, have emerged as a potent tool for unraveling the nuances of consumer behavior. These panels allow for tailored surveys and targeted data collection from specific demographics. By leveraging custom online panels, healthcare providers can marketers gain valuable insights into how social media shapes consumer healthcare decisions. 

The Power of Custom Online Panels 

Custom online panels offer a pathway to comprehend the intricacies of social media’s influence on healthcare choices. Through personalized surveys and real-time data collection, these panels reveal trends, preferences, and the impact of social media strategies. This approach equips healthcare professionals with actionable insights to tailor their strategies effectively. 

Social media’s sway on consumer healthcare decisions is undeniable. However, the ability to comprehend, analyze, and adapt to this influence lies in harnessing the potential of custom online panels. These panels offer a unique vantage point to understand and navigate the evolving landscape of consumer healthcare preferences shaped by social media. 

For healthcare providers and marketers seeking a deeper understanding of consumer behavior influenced by social media, custom online panels offer an avenue for tailored, data-driven insights. Healthcare providers who embrace custom online panels will stay ahead in understanding, engaging, and satisfying the ever-evolving consumer needs in healthcare. Read more about the healthcare industry and market research on the Eyes4Research blog. Eyes4Research also has everything you need to collect high-quality insights in the healthcare space. Our panels are comprised of B2B, B2C, and specialty audiences ready to participate in your next research project. Learn more about our specialty panels here.

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The Impact of STEM Integration on Education

  • November 27, 2023

  • Eyes4Research

In recent years, integrating STEM subjects into education has sparked a revolution in learning methodologies. This transformation has reshaped the educational landscape and created a ripple effect on the future workforce and technological advancements. 

STEM integration in education goes beyond teaching individual subjects; it cultivates critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and innovation. By intertwining these disciplines, students are encouraged to think more holistically, encouraging a mindset that aligns with the demands of an ever-evolving world. 

One crucial aspect of maximizing the benefits of STEM integration lies in understanding its impact through comprehensive market research. Custom online panels, such as the ones created and managed by Eyes4Research, serve as a powerful tool, offering a tailored approach to gain insights from diverse stakeholders in the education sphere. 

Custom online panels enable researchers to engage with educators, administrators, students, and parents, creating a platform for inclusive feedback. By leveraging these panels, researchers can delve deeper into understanding the effectiveness of STEM integration strategies, identifying challenges faced by educators, and gauging students’ enthusiasm and comprehension. 

The agility and adaptability of online panels allow for exploring emerging trends and the continual evolution of various educational methodologies. They facilitate the collection of real-time data, empowering educators and policymakers to make informed decisions that nurture an environment that is conducive to STEM learning. 

In addition, custom online panels offer a cost-effective and time-efficient approach to collecting both qualitative and quantitative data. This method ensures a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted aspects of STEM integration, allowing for targeted interventions and improvements. 

As consumers navigate an increasingly technology-driven world, the integration of STEM into education stands as a symbol of progress. Leveraging custom online panels supercharges our ability to understand, adapt, and optimize STEM education, ensuring that future generations are equipped with the skills needed to thrive in a dynamic, tech-focused landscape. 

The combination of STEM subjects with education is transformative, and the use of custom online panels is instrumental in fully understanding its impact. By harnessing the power of these panels, we can create an educational landscape that encourages innovation, and critical thinking, and prepares students for the challenges and opportunities of the future. 

Stay current on the changing education landscape with the Eyes4Research blog. Eyes4Research also has everything you need to collect high-quality insights from educators. Our panels are made up of B2B, B2C, and specialty audiences ready to participate in your next research project. Learn more about our specialty panels here.

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Virtual Reality: An Innovation Yet to Deliver Its Promise

  • November 21, 2023

  • Eyes4Research

There were promises of flying cars, a “The Jetsons” future, or even the hoverboard from Back to the Future. And here we are. Brands and tech influencers have notoriously overpromised and underdelivered. This pledge also includes a transformative reality akin to the Star Trek holodeck or being plugged into The Matrix – all via the allegedly game-changing solution known as Virtual Reality (VR).

And here we are, still spending most of our work and leisure time in the material world. So, what happened with the grand pledge of VR? Where were the misfires? Mind you, VR is not on the level of Google Glass, 3D television, Quibi, or other overhyped products that landed with a thud. An estimated 64 million Americans utilized virtual reality in 2022, with 171 million active VR users worldwide. Yet we aren’t spending our remote workdays in virtual offices with Mark Zuckerberg in the background telling us how to create pixel clouds. The tech is far from a failure but closer to a big disappointment. Finding out why is a vital cautionary tale. 

How it started

Welcome to the 1990s, when virtual reality surged in popularity and excitement. Many market analysts indicated that VR had the potential to revolutionize various industries. Brands invested heavily in developing VR technology while consumers eagerly awaited its brave new world. However, the technology was not mature enough to deliver on its promises. VR experiences were often clunky, expensive, and limited in content. These constraints, combined with the high cost of entry, led to a decline in interest and, ultimately, the fall of VR before the new millennium. 

But like The Rolling Stones or Twinkies, VR just wouldn’t go away. The 2010s marked a turning point for the solution. With advancements in technology and increased market research, VR made a comeback. Companies like Oculus, HTC, and Sony invested heavily in developing VR headsets that were more affordable, comfortable, and user-friendly. The release of consumer-ready devices such as the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive sparked renewed interest in being fully immersed in digital worlds. Content creators also recognized the potential of VR, spearheading immersive experiences across various platforms or channels. 

From a market research stance, the revival brought new hope for optimized and cost-friendly data, and we shall deal with the results in the last section.

How’s it going

The VR hype bubble quickly burst when both consumers and engineers accepted that the problem with VR tech was its, well, tech. It just hadn’t advanced enough to reach Star Trek or The Matrix levels. The current state of VR is a stalemate of advancements and limitations. On the one hand, VR headsets are more accessible for buyers, with a broader range of options, while immersion and visuals have improved significantly. On the other hand, challenges remain with the tech that include:

  • The cost of adoption is still a barrier for many consumers.
  • Need for powerful hardware to run VR.
  • Lack of widespread content and applications that fully utilize the potential of VR.
  • Experiences that didn’t meet the anticipation fueled by the pledges of dreamy-eyed Silycon Valley thought leaders.

Welcome back to the 1990s.

The Titanic of VR

The (virtual) elephant in the room has to be addressed: The Metaverse, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s pet project. Even more than VR, this all-encompassing virtual world was severely overhyped and delivered substantially below expectations. These were some of the shortcomings of the Metaverse:

  • The platform had no clear purpose; thus, few visited it. 
  • The Metaverse was not a game or a platform but rather an overlaid sphere of enhancements to everyday lives (mundane reality already does that well!).
  • The experience was initially wonky, and you know what they say about first impressions.

Experts also argue that the Metaverse failed to take off because it is outdated, misguided, and out of touch with the rest of Big Tech – a rehash of other popular but venerable digital worlds like Half Life or Roblox. This virtual reality heaven might have been a terrible gamble, for in 2021, Meta spent $10 billion on its metaverse division, Facebook Reality Labs, tasked with creating AR and VR hardware, software, and content. The investment is more than five times what Facebook paid to purchase the Oculus VR business in 2014 and 10 times what it spent to buy Instagram in 2012!

Despite this disappointment, there remains a steady development of Metaverse-type concepts, with some companies still investing in the underlying technologies – even as Meta has shifted focus to AI solutions like so many others in Silicon Valley. And it seems consumers have focused too on AI and other tech, as the overall AR/VR headset market declined 54.4% year over year in the first quarter of 2023.

VR and Market Research

Researchers have certainly leveraged VR in the last decade, primarily when the tech provides these advantages:

  • Brands can tap into VR to mimic real-life shopping experiences and product uses, allowing them to glean valuable data about their target audience’s preferences and behaviors (and without costly physical tests). 
  • VR eliminates geographical limitations in research. Companies can gather data from participants located anywhere around the globe. This opens a vast pool of potential respondents, ensuring a diverse and representative sample. Additionally, VR can target specific demographics and segments, allowing for more focused research efforts.
  • VR improves engagement and respondent participation during research by making the process more exciting and captivating, leading to higher response rates and valuable insights.

One notable VR market research success story comes from the Ford Motor Company. The company used VR Headsets and simulations in developing the Ford GT supercar to evaluate diverse design configurations in virtual environments. This allowed engineers to assess varied factors such as sightlines, interior controls, entry/exit openings, and storage areas without physical prototypes. Moreover, VR testing helped optimize the cabin layout, confirm maintenance procedures, and ensure easy accessibility of mechanical components. Ford was able to refine the GT model years before production! 

Another illustration happened when Nordstrom’s TextStyle service leveraged VR to provide personalized shopping experiences to customers by analyzing shoppers’ preferences and purchase history. Retailers and research firms can also experiment with different store layouts, product displays, and promotional strategies to measure customer responses and enhance their shopping experience by creating virtual store environments. As a last example, eBay collaborated with Myer, an Australian department store, and made a VR domain on its website to let consumers explore the store environment virtually.

The usual caveats remain: VR experiences are not readily accessible for medium and small-sized businesses, who, like many consumers, have limited funds, and the product is still far from integrated with the rest of the tech ecosystem. 

Ultimately, VR will continue to grow and adapt gradually – while staying attractive to deep-pocket video gamers – even if it’s not in the same salvific, culture-changing league as the internet, AI, or the smartphone. It remains to be seen if Apple and its Midas touch can make VR mainstream when it releases its (very expensive) Vision Pro in 2024. All of this relates to this famous quote by author William Gibson: “The future is already here – it’s just not evenly distributed.”

Good luck finding VR, where it’s distributed for your future research, business, or entertainment needs.

About the author:

An industry leader and influencer – Rudly Raphael specializes in all aspects of research logistical design involving quantitative methodology,  implementing internal system infrastructure to streamline business processes, channelling communication and developing innovative research solutions to ensure Eyes4Research remains a competitive force in the marketplace. An entrepreneur, inventor (patent holder), blogger and writer – his articles have been published in various magazines such as Medium, Ebony Magazine, Bussiness2Community and also cited in various journals and academic publications. 

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The Impact of AI on Media Personalization and Targeting

  • November 20, 2023

  • Eyes4Research

The moment we live in is dominated by digital content consumption. The role of AI in shaping our media experiences has become more pronounced than ever. One significant aspect of this influence lies in media personalization and targeting, where AI algorithms reshape how content is delivered to audiences

AI-driven personalization has ushered in a new era of tailored content, ensuring that users are served information that aligns with their preferences and interests. This shift not only enhances user satisfaction but also presents an opportunity for advertisers aiming to connect with their target audiences more effectively. 

Through advanced algorithms, AI analyzes vast amounts of user data, including browsing habits, search history, and social media interactions, to create detailed user profiles. This allows media platforms to curate content recommendations that resonate with individuals’ preferences providing a more engaging and relevant experience. 

As we navigate this landscape, B2C and B2B businesses are recognizing the need for a deeper understanding of their audience. This is where custom online panels, such as those created and managed by Eyes4Research, can play a pivotal role. These panels act as dynamic feedback mechanisms, offering real-time insights into user behavior and preferences. By leveraging AI, B2C and B2B businesses can analyze panel data to refine content strategies, fine-tune advertising efforts, and ultimately enhance the overall user experience. 

Custom online panels become a bridge between B2C and B2B business and their target audiences, allowing for a continuous dialogue that adapts to the changing landscape of user preferences. As AI algorithms learn and adapt, the insights gained from custom online panels become invaluable in helping B2C and B2B businesses stay ahead of trends and tailoring content to meet the evolving needs of consumers

The impact of AI on media personalization and targeting is revolutionizing how we consume and interact with content. The integration of market research, especially custom online panels, allows B2C and B2B businesses to harness the power of AI-driven insights to create more personalized, engaging, and effective media experiences for their audiences. 

Read more about market research and technology on the Eyes4Research blog. Eyes4Research also has everything you need to collect high-quality insights from consumers. Our panels are comprised of B2B, B2C, and specialty audiences ready to participate in your next research project. Learn more about our specialty panels here.

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