For over a decade Edge Research has helped corporations, associations, non-profits and government agencies uncover the consumer and citizen insights to make their products and programs successful.

An early pioneer in the online survey revolution, we continue to develop and refine innovative research techniques for a competitive world. We combine the right approach with a deep understanding of clients business objectives. That is the key to our success. Let us help you find yours.

Strategic Services
Qualitative Research
Quantitative Research
  What It Is When To Do
Focus groups 2 hour open-ended discussion among 8-10 ppl. Usually conduct series of 4-8 Traditional method, myriad purposes
Diads, Triads, or Mini groups 1-2 hour open-ended discussion w/ 2-6 ppl. Usually conduct 4 Limited sample; limited budget; time constraints; group interaction w/ in-depth responses; social network
Social network groups Much like focus group, but among social circle. Usually conducted in more "informal" setting, living-room style When social group is key factor impacting relevant decision
Online QualBoards (bulletin boards) Online session led by a moderator among @ 15 respondents. Moderator and respondents post comments in a threaded message format. Respondents log in 2x/day at their convenience. Usually lasts 3 days Ideal for busy professionals, geographically diverse or international studies. Ideal for reaction to new concept designs, advertising, websites, etc. Multi-day format allows team to make changes to stimuli, and have respondents give feedback
In-depth interviews 30-60 minute open-ended discussion w/ one person either in-person or over the phone. Usually conduct 10-50, depending on # of audiences Don't want group bias (for instance, reaction to stimuli); sensitive topic; limited sample; geographic diversity; elite pop difficult to schedule
User Experience/Usability testing Users interact with a website, software, or product and perform specific tasks. Facilitator observes and records where they go, and how successful they are without assistance or guidance. A "think aloud" protocol is used. Each session recorded digitally using usability software Need for feedback on website, software, application, or product usability. Able to understand users' real world experiences, and gauge learnability, efficiency, errors, and satisfaction
Advisory Boards 1-2 day session w/ "best" customers or stakeholders to inform strategic direction, obtain buy-in, and promote loyalty Pre-research with key customers or decision makers before investing significant resources in new directions. Also good tool for promoting loyalty
Dial groups 2-3 hour session among 10-100 ppl. Qual/quant mix w/ special computer equipment. Usually conduct 1-4 Reactions to stimuli; ability to gain both quantitative and qualitative feedback among large groups; experimental design; moment-to-moment reactions to stimuli; instant graphical analysis
Journaling Typically 1-4+ weeks in length. Respondents log-on daily (and independently) at their convenience to record behavior or daily routines Need for behavioral or attitudinal data that reflects longitudinal behavior in the participant's natural surroundings. Often conducted in the weeks prior to a focus group or online bulletin board and discussed in the group
  What It Is When To Do
Phone Survey Survey conducted over the phone among a random sample of relevant pop. Sample size and lengths vary Statistical reliability important; quick turnaround needed; sample/subgroup control; flexible budget
Online Survey Survey conducted online. Email invitation, interstitials or panel approach. Sample size and lengths vary Need to intercept online population or email group; interactive component; react to visual stimuli (i.e. website, ads, packaging); conjoint; budget constraints
Market segmentation / cluster analysis Form of multivariate analysis, allowing you to group people based on their attitudes or behavior Need to understand how audience segments and their size, utility, demographics, psycho-graphics. Groups can be targeted with specific marketing/advertising based on their characteristics
Regression analysis Form of multivariate analysis, which allows you to predict or explain how people vary on one variable by how they vary on other variables Need to understand how attitudes and beliefs about a product or organization impact behavior or interest (i.e. factors impacting purchase intent, vote, membership, donations)
Conjoint analysis Allows you to understand how consumers tradeoff product features and price when making the decision to buy Need to determine optimal combinations of product or service features; price elasticity
Strategic mapping / gap analysis Ability to look at various attributes on two dimensions Need to understand a brand, product, service or organization's strengths and weaknesses/gaps
For a decade, Edge has designed effective research studies to support clients in many areas, including:
  • • Ad testing and awareness
  • • Branding
  • • Concept testing
  • • Customer satisfaction and loyalty
  • • Donor and membership development
       and retention
  • • Employee satisfaction
  • • Issue advocacy campaigns
  • • Name and logo design
  • • Online shopping
  • • Packaging
  • • Positioning, messaging and
      language development
  • • Public awareness campaigns
  • • Pricing
  • • Product usability
  • • Strategic communications campaigns
  • • Tracking
  • • Website optimization (user experience:
       design, usability and engagement
       strategies)