Front End Research is a collection of methods including observational research, opportunity analysis, and other techniques designed to get into the mind of the consumer. Front End Research occurs before the innovation and product development process. The purpose of this type of research is to identify which problems to solve.
Front End Research helps to focus innovation in the right direction, and it helps to remove some of the chance and risk associated with new product development.
See also: Market ResearchEthnography, Design Research, Focus Group