qualitative and quantitative data

Question 1

qualitative data definition

Answer 1

rich information about experiences or stories usually sourced from individuals or small groups. it provides complex data that is hard to classify but provides a detailed picture, the information is usually subjective

Question 2

methods of qualitative

Answer 2

market research: 
user trials and testing: 
expert opinion:
research of users
trials and destructive testing

Question 3

quantitative data definition

Answer 3

numerical information sourced from a large number of people, simple data that is easy to classify and is useful for generalising trends. it is empirical and can be tested. objective information

Question 4

methods of quantitative

Answer 4

comparing specifications
sales and returns data
surveys

Question 5

market research (qualitative)

Answer 5

done through interviews, focus groups, user trials, questionnaires and surveys, the information obtained is used not only to evaluate the users perceptions of existing products but also indicate the desired direction of new products

Question 6

User trials and testing (qualitative)

Answer 6

when a range of typical users test and rate a particular product using standard tests, based on the typical way products are used. a group of users are given a range of criteria and they test and rate products according to those criteria over a certain period. products are also compared according to design features each product has. criteria lists differ depending on product type and needs of end users. choice.com is an example

Question 7

expert opinion (qualitative)

Answer 7

manufacturers also carry out their own trials and testing on their products or pay for specialised testing facilities to check their products meet their quality standards and the aus and international standards

Question 8

comparing specifications (quantitative)

Answer 8

eg size weight, capacity, materials, energy and or water usage, cost functions available.
the particular aspects will be compared and this will depend on the common requirements and features for this product type. most of this info is straightforward research

Question 9

sales and returns (quantitative)

Answer 9

manufacturers carefully asses sales over a products life and if there are different expectations of sales at each stage. if a product doesn’t perform or sell as well as expected manufacturers start asking serious questions about its availability, the design brief itself and the marketing
returns are also kept track of especially through the warranty programs. if a specific product is regularly returned it can indicate there is a problem somewhere in the design, quality and or manufacture of the product