Systems and methods for multi-user behavioral research

Abstract

Exemplary embodiments provide methods, mediums, and systems for behavioral research. In some embodiments, an environment supporting three types of users may be provided. A first type of user may represent a participant whose behavior is being monitored. The first type of user may freely interact with the environment. A second type of user may represent a moderator directing the experience of the participant. The moderator may be provided with an ability to manipulate the environment or the participants' interactions with the environment. A third type of user may represent a client interested in the participants' behavior, and the third type of user may be provided with an ability to view the environment from the perspective of the participant. Different interfaces may be provided for allowing the different types of users to interact with the environment according to their roles.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]Behavioral research, and particularly behavioral research relating to consumers' product preferences, may be a time consuming and expensive process. Even when behavioral research is conducted with a significant investment of time and money, the results of the research may not be wholly accurate or representative of consumers' true views.[0002]In some behavioral research scenarios, focus groups of one or more participants are brought together in a common location and presented with products for evaluation. Participants may be brought to a special facility expressly designed for focus group testing (e.g., a facility with special conference rooms that allow the participants to be observed or recorded), which may add to the cost of conducting a focus group. Furthermore, costs may be driven up by the need to produce non-production product mockups or prototypes for the focus group, or simulated two-dimensional models to be displayed on a computer.[0003]Moreover, traditiona...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a method for conducting behavioral research in a simulated environment, such as a virtual reality environment. This allows for increased flexibility and cost savings, as research can be conducted either in person or remotely. Participants can interact with a product in a more natural way, which reduces the researcher's reliance on participant self-reporting. The system can record the participant's observational data, such as the location where they are looking and the amount of time they spend looking at a particular product. The central server can build and maintain the simulated environment and provide functionality for interacting with it on behalf of multiple users. This approach allows for efficient, inexpensive, and reliable behavioral research.

Problems solved by technology

Behavioral research, and particularly behavioral research relating to consumers' product preferences, may be a time consuming and expensive process.

Even when behavioral research is conducted with a significant investment of time and money, the results of the research may not be wholly accurate or representative of consumers' true views.

Participants may be brought to a special facility expressly designed for focus group testing (e.g., a facility with special conference rooms that allow the participants to be observed or recorded), which may add to the cost of conducting a focus group.

Furthermore, costs may be driven up by the need to produce non-production product mockups or prototypes for the focus group, or simulated two-dimensional models to be displayed on a computer.

Moreover, traditional focus group testing may not yield entirely accurate or satisfactory results.

This may make it difficult to draw conclusions about how a consumer would interact with the product in a retail establishment or online, where the user would be confronted with multiple products and different environmental conditions.

Still further, traditional behavioral research methods may rely on self-reporting by the participants, which may be inaccurate or easily manipulated.

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