We have previously covered the different kinds of clinical trial designs available to consumer brands, but it can be difficult to know which is right for your brand’s goals. We have compiled a few methods for determining the best study design depending on what you hope to achieve.
Which study design is right for my brand?
First steps
Before you can decide on a study design, it is vital to find a research team that aligns with your brand goals. When meeting with different CROs, you should bring up your interest in discussing all of the different types of trials and study designs available to you, and get a few opinions on what will work best for your study and your budget.
Our team of experts will gladly walk you through the process, and if you decide to trust us with your research, we’ll make sure to find a study design that suits your needs. What’s more -- we’ll guide you through the whole trial process and handle everything from study design, all the way through to completion.
Determining your Goals
Many brands seek out clinical research with only a vague understanding of how it might be used to support their goals. It is important to understand what your specific needs are before beginning the research process, as this will guide your research team in settling on a design.
We’ll go over some examples of specific brand goals and what trial designs they may suit.
Publishing user feedback
If your goal is to share feedback about the real-life performance of your product, a consumer perception study can be a cost-efficient, simple design to consider. In this design, you will provide participants with samples of your product with use instructions over a set period, and they will provide feedback on the experience and any notable results, typically through intermittent surveys.
Developing statistics about product performance
To create statistically significant data about your product’s performance, it is usually a good idea to consider a randomized control trial -- this is the gold standard of clinical research. These trials compare the performance of your product with a placebo, and participants are randomized into either of these conditions to ensure the validity of your results. These trials can be single or double-blinded, in the former only the participants are unaware of their group assignments and in the latter both participant and researcher are unaware.
Considerations in Study Design
There are other forms of clinical trial designs within these categories and your specific needs may determine the logistics of your final design, however these two branches over the bulk of consumer brands’ goals.
Regardless of your specific aims, it is important to keep in mind the time constraints and budget of your project. Developing statistics through more robust clinical trial designs can take longer and therefore be more expensive however the results tend to be more scientifically valid and may be a better investment in the long run. Consumer perception studies on the other hand may be valuable for re-launching the new formulation of an existing product or releasing a new product altogether.
Want to create your own clinical trial?
Citruslabs provides a simple and affordable way to prove that your products actually work. At Citruslabs, we design a clinical trial that is right for you and your budget, so that you can start sharing research-backed product claims without spending a fortune. We offer the cohesive planning and management required to conduct successful clinical trials, from start to finish. Ready to get started? Let's talk! You can contact us here.