Sensory Testing For New Products
Sensory testing for product development has become the talk of the town. Organizations rely on product development for remaining competitive. It is one of the most popular market research methodology that is used for product development.
Although you might wonder whether this marketing research approach is possible, many companies are taking advantage of it to produce all types of products. If you want to learn more about sensory testing for new products, you have come to the right place.
This post shares all the information that you need. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s dive right in.
What Is Sensory Testing?
In the simplest of words, sensory testing is a market research method that is similar to mystery shopping and user experience. But, it is usually underutilized when it comes to product development and research in comparison to other methods. The main objective and purpose of sensory testing is to get a glimpse into what customers think about the product and the type of experience it provides. The food and beverage industry normally relies on sensory testing for producing new products. Before launching a new product into the market, sensory testing allows them to find out when their product is fully ready. Research goes a long way in help companies succeed.
Sensory Testing Examples
To help you get an idea about what sensory testing for new products has to offer, it is important to consider a few examples. There has been a recent trend where companies are launching low-carb options in their product lines to attract a bigger audience. This is where sensory testing comes in handy.
For instance, if you are a snack company, you can rely on the method for creating a low-carb chip option. There would be a need to hire a market research firm for testing the new low-carb chip. Once the new product has been tested, each participant would be required to answer questions relating to the product such as satisfaction and perception. The topics that will be asked would cover texture, smell, taste, nutritional content, labels, and packaging. A moderator would ask relevant questions from the participants to determine what they think. The questions would revolve around the overall appearance of the product, its texture, and any after-taste.
How Do Companies Use Sensory Testing?
As you might have gotten an idea by now, sensory testing is used for research and development. Here is what the process of a sensor test includes.
- Recruiting the right participants who meet the desired demographics or criteria.
- Scheduling the sensory tests.
- Analyzing the results of the test once participants are done.
- Developing findings and insights for creating a report.
Conclusion
Sensory testing is integral to market research. It is completed early on to develop the ultimate product. Its main goal is to satisfy customers and find out what they want in order for the product to be profitable. Hence, you should never overlook sensory testing for new products. It could help you introduce cash cows.