Research

It is important to collect research when creating a product so that you can ensure your product is desirable to your target audience.

Primary research (field research)

This is when you collect the data yourself. Primary research is effective as you know exact what you are looking for and what you need to ask. 

Pros                                                                                   

-You can collect the data how you                                 

want to. 

-You can ask specific questions 

that relate to your product.

Cons
-This can sometimes be very time consuming.

Secondary research 

When you use someone else's research to enrich you help your own, you are collecting secondary research.

Quantitative research

This is when you collect data from a large group of people. This allows you to see trends or patterns that you then use to conclude your findings. 

Qualitative research 

Qualitative research allows you to gain further knowledge on people's answers. From this you gain an understanding of people's reasons, opinions and motives. 

Within each research method there are both positives and negatives. These should be considered to ensure you obtain as much valuable information that you can. For example:

Phone calls 

Advantages:
-Quick and easy.
-Can ask further questions related to their previous answer.

Disadvantages:
-You may not be able to contact people directly and so would have to talk to someone else, a secretary for example.
-Over seas calls can be very expensive.


Books 

Advantages:
-Arranged in categories.
-Usually accurate information.

Disadvantages:
-Can be outdates
-Time consuming.


When conducting my research I plan to use both primary and secondary methods, these may include:
-Search engines,
-Magazines,
-Survey/questionnaire,
-Focus Group.