Intersperience Rolls Out Online Research Tools

UK research company Intersperience is launching an online research software system called FlexMR, offering mix-and-match tools 'to suit any budget'.

The system, currently used for client work by Intersperience's own researchers, has been developed over a period of eight years and will now be offered externally as a standalone piece of software, immediately available in 60 languages and including a total of 23 tools. The firm says the software is suitable for all levels of user including freelance researchers, small businesses and [end-user] companies looking for a means to talk to customers, employees and/or other businesses.

Due for launch at next week's MRS annual conference in London, FlexMR can be used for 'any and every type of online research project... from one bulletin board focus group through to the most sophisticated research community', according to the company. Service levels range from no support up to a fully managed option and there are seven distinct 'suites' within it:

• Management
• Focus Group
• Diary
• Survey
• Interactive
• Analytic and
• Community

CEO Paul Hudson says the suite 'allows users to engage in interesting feedback, rather than exhaustive questioning' and is 'particularly effective with teenagers who are notoriously difficult to get to take part in research.' He adds: 'Our industry is struggling to inspire confidence about how peoples' data is found and used online. Online research forums seem to be a more honest and collaborative way of using personal information.'

Based in the North West of England and with an international research hub at Lancaster University, Intersperience's consumer research has a particular focus on studying how technology impacts on consumer behaviour, experience and attitudes. A web site for the new product is at www.flexmr.net while the parent company is at www.intersperience.com .