When you want participants to actually see, touch, or taste a product and you also want to quantify the results, both central location test (CLT) and home-use tests (HUT) are suitable research methods.
It’s quite common to be uncertain about which of these two to carry out in practice.
Central Location Test(CLT) involve gathering participants at designated venues for the research, while home-use tests entail sending products to participants’ homes for them to try, taste, or use.
Due to the differences in implementation methods, each has its own pros and cons, requiring an understanding of these before making a choice. If you’re unsure which one to choose, please consider the following:
Central Location Test(CLT) is suitable for scenarios such as:
1. Conducting confidential pre-launch package surveys.
2. Needing quantitative data.
3. Wanting all participants to taste or try the product under the same conditions, such as temperature.
4. Needing to tightly manage test products and packages to avoid damage or loss.
Home-use tests are suitable for scenarios such as:
1. Wanting to conduct taste tests or product trials with a limited budget.
2. Needing participants to use the product in their daily lives and answer surveys, such as for condiments or cosmetics.
3. Not requiring strict management of test products.
4. Wanting to measure the effects of continuous usage, such as with shampoo.