Consumer research in the early stages of new product development: a critical review of methods and techniques

• Published in: Food quality and preference Vol. 16; no. 3; pp. 181 - 201
• Main Authors: van Kleef, Ellen, van Trijp, Hans C.M., Luning, Pieternel
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.04.2005
• Subjects: Category appraisal; Conjoint analysis; consumer attitudes; consumer demand; consumer information; consumer needs; consumer preferences; Consumer research; consumer surveys; customer; Empathic design; Focus group; focus groups; food choices; food industry; Free elicitation; idea-generation; industrial-products; Information acceleration; Kelly repertory grid; Laddering; lead user method; Lead user technique; marketing; marketing-research; New product development; new products; perceptions; perceptions (cognitive); product development; product testing; public opinion; Review; spreading activation theory; tacit knowledge; Zaltman metaphor elicitation technique; Zaltman metaphor elicitation technique; Lead user technique; Review; Consumer research; Empathic design; Kelly repertory grid; Information acceleration; New product development; Laddering; Category appraisal; Conjoint analysis; Focus group; Free elicitation

Incorporating the `voice of the consumer' in early stages of the new product development process has been identified as a critical success factor for new product development. Yet, this step is often ignored or poorly executed. This may be due to lack of familiarity on which methods are availabl...