Focus groups and other qualitative research techniques are often used to generate ideas for new product development. In spite of this frequent application, it is notoriously difficult to bring eight, ten or even twelve strangers together for a discussion. Add to that the need to get them to open up and “be creative” about your brand, messaging or products and services, and you have a real challenge.

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Recently, technology has given marketers many new and innovative ways to tap in the customer psyche and create a stronger, more visceral understanding of the marketplace. And while these new market research tools have great promise, none has yet taken the place of the traditional focus groups in delivering valuable insight. As shown in the 2015 Greenbook Research Industry Trends (GRIT) report, 79% of respondents reported using qualitative research in the previous year - and traditional focus groups maintain their position as the most used qualitative methodology. In total, 68% of 2015 GRIT respondents reported using traditional, face-to-face focus groups, up from 59% in 2014.

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