It is always nice to get together with peers and client's to regroup, generate discussion, and get perspective. This week at Net Gain 2015 hosted by the MRIA we had that opportunity. The day was filled with great speakers and authors discussing innovative technology and offerings in the MR industry. A common sentiment throughout the day was the importance of mobile technology and the fact that all research is mobile research, even if you didn't intend it that way.

IVR data collection continues to surprise me. Before explaining why, let’s take a step back and let me quickly explain what data collection via IVR looks like. An IVR survey consists of a series of pre-recorded  questions, administered via phone. As an example, a “likelihood to recommend” question could be asked as follows:

How likely would you be to recommend [brand X] to a friend or family member on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 means “Not at all likely to recommend” and 5 means “Extremely likely to recommend”? Please press any number between 1 and 5.

Although Advanis was founded on the basis of very quantitative discrete choice modeling, of late we have very much embraced the power of qualitative research to evaluate programs, co-create new service experiences, and to delve into the how and the why questions that emerge from traditional research engagements.

Last summer, Sports Illustrated writer Richard Deitsch sent out a Tweet asking people to share a photo of the best moment of their lives. The response was overwhelming and covered by many of the mainstream media outlets. Wedding pictures, pictures of moms and dads holding their first child, miraculous hospital recoveries, and many other occasions passed the scene. What struck me though was that all the pictures followed three main themes: love, family, and health.