Mobile App Reward System for Consumer Data Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for collecting consumer data in retail settings are inadequate, as they lack practical incentives for consistent and frequent voluntary input, failing to effectively capture in-store consumer behavior.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing mobile devices with an installed application that allows users to capture product identifiers, such as QR codes, and receive corresponding product information, while providing rewards for data collection activities, thereby incentivizing frequent data collection and sharing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional data collection methods (checkout data, surveys) are used, then businesses can obtain some consumer data, but the data is incomplete and does not adequately reflect in-store consumer behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables consumers to voluntarily collect and share product information themselves using mobile devices. Consumers act as data collectors by scanning product identifiers and sharing information, eliminating the need for traditional survey methods and checkout data collection. This self-service approach generates authentic in-store behavior data directly from consumers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides immediate feedback to consumers in the form of product information when they scan product identifiers. This instant feedback loop encourages continued data collection behavior, as consumers receive valuable product information that they can use for purchasing decisions while simultaneously contributing to the research database.
2Productivity
If no incentives are provided, then the system is simple to operate, but consumers do not provide consistent and frequent voluntary data input
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a reward program that provides immediate feedback to consumers in the form of points or incentives when they complete data collection activities. This feedback mechanism motivates consumers to engage in frequent data collection by linking their actions to tangible rewards, thereby increasing productivity without significantly complicating the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system leverages existing mobile device capabilities (cameras, scanners, communication functions) rather than requiring specialized hardware. By copying and utilizing functions already present in consumers' mobile devices, the system achieves frequent data collection without adding significant complexity to the overall system structure.
3Productivity
If mobile devices are used to capture product information, then data collection frequency increases, but the system requires integration of multiple device functions and infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to work with standard mobile device functions that are universally available (camera, barcode scanner, communication interfaces). By making the system compatible with existing multi-functional mobile devices rather than requiring specialized equipment, the system achieves high data collection frequency while minimizing the complexity of device integration and infrastructure requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A platform receives an indication that at least a first user has performed a data collection activity. In response, the platform allocates at least one unit of a reward to at least the first user. Data collection activity can include the first user sharing, with a second user, product information that was transmitted to the first user by the platform in response to receiving a product identifier captured by the first user. Data collection activity can also include the first user re-sharing product information received from a third user. To allocate at least one unit of a reward, the platform adds units of the reward to the first user's account. Meanwhile, the first user can also request to redeem units of the reward, in which case the platform subtracts units of the reward from the first user's account.