Overview
We know that getting started with your first test can be both exciting and daunting. But not to worry, it's easier than you think! We've put together this 10-step quick-start guide to get you up and running!
1. Logging In
In order to
log in, you will require a unique user name and password. It's important to use your own login credentials to access the software for security purposes and to ensure an accurate audit trail is kept.
Mandatory password reset for all analysts is in place every 90 days to ensure the utmost security and confidentiality of sensitive information.
If you have any trouble logging in, contact our Support Team and we can assist you!
The Dashboard provides you with a quick access to:
- Test counts by test status. The count icons are clickable for easy access to tests with corresponding status.
- Folders and groups to organize tests within your organization.
- Different search capabilities.
- Various libraries.
- Settings, such as Time Zone and other regional formats.
- Helpful resources. You can even chat with our Support team live during our office hours.
3. Creating a Test
All tests can be created from a template to minimize the amount of work on your side. You have two sets of templates, Test Type templates and Custom templates, to choose from when creating a test. Both sets of templates are distributed with the software:
- Test Type Templates (full list of test templates will be available soon):
- Standard - Product test type for quantitative (descriptive, consumer, DFC, etc.), ranking, or preference data collection.
- Triangle - Triangle test template with the ability to turn it into a single Triangle or Back to Back Triangle, and to add compatible follow up questions.
- Survey - Non-sample related test type ideal for surveys and screeners.
- Same/Different - Single Same/Different test template with the ability to add compatible follow up questions.
- Custom templates. We made several pre-set custom test templates available to you to give you a head start when creating your own test. You can always create your own templates and save them!
Samples are what is being evaluated in your product test. Typically a blinding code is used to ensure that there is no bias from panelists. Further engage panelists by using images as samples.
Keep in mind that not all tests require samples. For example, survey (non-sample related) tests are designed to collect demographic data and concept evaluations. You can use images as concepts, too!
All product tests require an experimental design that determines how the samples are presented and distributed to panelists.
Test questions are one of the main parts of your test and what is visible to panelists. With more than twenty question types to choose from, you're sure to find one that suits your testing needs.
Panelists are people completing the test. Import panelists into the
Panelists library. Include their contact information, demographic information, and any other information you might deem relevant - the panelists database is very customizable. Want to keep a record of panelists' special dietary restrictions? Not a problem!
In the Logistics tab you can:
- Select the sample set distribution method that best suits your testing needs.
- Print blinding code labels.
- Print the serve orders.
- Control additional test options.
Once you've added all of the elements, you may preview your test. This is a great tool to ensure that the test flows as expected before you present it to the panelists. You may even collect test results to see what the analysis will look like before collecting the real data.
You may see messages that inform you of any possible issues with your test:
- Warnings: Identify any potential problems that do not prevent you from previewing and running the test. You can always make revisions in the test and preview it again.
- Errors: Identify any crucial errors or issues that will prevent your test from functioning as it should. You must correct the issue before you can proceed with previewing and running the test.
9. Run and Monitor the Test
After you've previewed your test and are ready to make it available to panelists, you are ready to run your test. Here you can start your test allowing it to be accessed online via a link. Once running, the test can now be accessed by panelists that you have added into your test. Detailed instructions for configuring the panelist devices are available directly in the software!
Monitor the progress of your running test! You can do the following:
- Serve the samples by following the order displayed in the monitor.
- Monitor visual representation of results as they are collected (real-time).
- Share secure links for test monitoring or for result viewing with your colleagues, managers, clients, etc.
After at least one question in the test is answered, you can view the results collected and can export data.
Use the Filters function to view, export or analyze only the results you need. You have the ability to filter results by complete or complete and incomplete sample sets, to filter samples out, and to filter results based on demographic information in the test or Panelists library.
There are multiple analysis and graphing options available. Report availability is dependent on your test and question type.