Radio, someone still loves you
The Infinite Dial 2009: Radio’s Digital Platforms found that AM/FM radio had a big impact on 21% of respondents, ranking second to cell phones (47%). With alternative digital audio options on the rise, the Survey Monitor titled “AM/FM losing out to mobile devices” predicted that radio would have a difficult time competing with iPods and MP3 players.
In 2009, 42% of people aged 12+ owned an iPod or other brand of portable MP3 player and 64% of 18-24-year-olds owned a digital audio player. Thirty-two percent of 12-17-year-olds and 18-24-year-olds pointed to these devices as the reason they were spending less time with over-the-air radio. Yet still today, even with nearly everyone owning a mobile phone, and with streaming platforms and podcasts to compete against, radio listenership endures.
The value of visual innovations in questionnaires
Technology advancements in the early 2000s helped research companies collect higher-quality data while improving the respondent experience. New tools allowed research firms to show their appreciation towards research participants while gathering the information they needed from satisfaction research surveys. In their article “Using interactive technology to improve online questionnaire design,” Demitry Estrin and Ted Chen said, “The online medium allows us to break away from the rigidity of the traditional satisfaction survey vehicle.”
The article focused on satisfaction questionnaire components that affected the respondent experience. Prioritizing flexibility led to better-quality data since respondents had the option to decide the order in which sections were filled out and allowed them to personalize their overall survey experience. Enhanced visual engagement impacted respondent satisfaction throughout the survey process and their perception of the time it took to complete a survey.
Visual enhancements consisted of what we now consider standard interactive questions. Respondents could slide an arrow to indicate their satisfaction level or drag and drop statements into designated boxes. Interactive surveys today still include similar visuals but the effects have been refined. Many other enhancements have been made as we continue to incorporate tech innovations into surveys that further improve the respondent experience.
Pizza chains were boosting options, not prices
A July 2009 Survey Monitor titled “Chains cannot live on pizza alone” highlighted the creative ways pizza chains were broadening their menus. To bolster sales and increase appeal among those who were not interested in pizza, these chains added additional options. Domino’s added $4.99 sandwiches and Pizza Hut offered pasta dishes. Today we’ve come to expect pizza shops to sell more than just pizza. Domino’s marbled cookie brownie or lava crunch cakes, anyone?