Stream on Demand
How to get actionable insight from your unique target consumer
Catch up on the webinar and watch a live demo on how to get research results that are tailored and actionable to your brand.
You'll learn:
- How to understand the product experience from the perspective of your unique target user
- How to uncover the key drivers of appeal in your category and the characteristics of winning products
- Identify new opportunities for innovation in your product space and usage occasion
Want to know more? Find out how a Trained User Panel can work for your brand by downloading the factsheet below.
FAQs
What type of statistical analysis was done to get the results?
A covariate ANOVA was performed.
When you are re-testing, do you get the same group back or train a new group?
Our experience has been that clients request the same group of panelists to evaluate additional products and categories. We have found these types of panelists tend to be very engaged and motivated, and have a high level of interest in continuing to work on these panels.
Can a Trained User Panel project be run anywhere?
We are a global company; we have established fieldwork partners around the world that help us with recruiting and product placement. And we have experience working with translators to run panel sessions in different languages.
What categories do you think this method is more relevant for?
It can work with almost any category. We have done TUPs on personal care, devices, food, and beverages.
Is there a maximum number of samples you can test?
No maximum. The training method can be adapted for larger product sets, but is designed as a rapid, immersive approach. Best to consult with MMR, based on your study objectives.
How do you keep your panelists motivated to stay on the panel?
By creating a cohesive, interdependent team that is trained in dynamic sessions and by recognizing the panel for the unique value they bring.
How do you work on anchoring the scale?
Generally, MMR anchors the ends of the scales using word anchors, and uses qualitative character references for certain attributes. For calibration, MMR can anchor products/prototypes within a space that is agreed on with the client.
What is the recommended number of panellists for a study?
If doing 1 replicate, MMR recommends 20-25 panelists, to provide sufficient statistical power. If doing 2 replicates, can utilize less panelists.
How do you ensure high data quality?
The panel develops a focused protocol and lexicon on main, key aspects of the products; the panel can also develop an anchored scale that is agreed on and practiced during training. Additionally, it is possible to have more panelists, and more replications in the assessment, to maximize data quality. Keep in mind, this type of panel would not be held to the same strict standards as MMR’s existing DA sensory panels.
How do you combine the lexicon of this panel and the expert sensory panel to guide the product design?
The TUP can determine the key sensory characteristics and their importance prior to a traditional DA sensory panel, who is then able to provide a more granular, multi-faceted sensory profile.
Do you keep a Panel Performance sheet to know how well the panelists are performing over time, and if so, how do you measure the panel performance?
We have developed ways to determine panel performance for Trained User Panels, such as replication if doing duplicate, or repeating blind products. Keep in mind, this type of panel would not be held to the same strict standards as MMR’s existing trained sensory panels.
How much does it cost?
Each Trained User Panel is set-up bespoke to the client’s needs (recruiting the right consumers, training and testing on the product set of interest). Please reach out to MMR for a specific quote.
Are there any limitations or any situations that you wouldn’t recommend this method for?
For product categories that are targeted to a large, wide, mainstream consumer, or for product categories for which a project could be conducted by one of MMR’s existing DA sensory panels.
Do you conduct replications?
Depends of client objectives, timing and costs.
If a part of the panel is not available and more people need to be included, is the training just for new people? Or is everyone on the panel retrained?
Trainings are conducted with all panelists. If the panel requires top-up due to attrition, then additional training would be provided for new panelists.
Are the 6 hours of training divided into different days? What do you do if one of the people is absent on one of the days?
For these case studies, the 6 hours was divided over 3 different days. Trained User Panel studies are short, so we recruit people who are fully committed to the training and profiling sessions.