Test a product in the environment where it will actually be used
When it comes to evaluating the performance of outdoor sports gear, nothing beats testing it in the field. A race like the Duo Étoilé provides particularly relevant conditions: prolonged exertion, fatigue, a technically challenging course, and the unique challenges of nighttime mountain running.
Lagolight products were thus entrusted to a range of runners—from regulars to experts—who were directly participating in the race. Some were already familiar with the brand, while others were discovering it for the first time, which allowed us to gather a variety of perspectives and minimize certain biases related to brand awareness.
The panel also included 40% women to ensure a more representative mix of profiles and usage patterns.
Commercially available products and tested prototypes
The program covered two types of products:
- models already available on the market, in order to evaluate their performance under demanding conditions
- prototypes currently under development, to identify their strengths, potential pain points, and areas for improvement.
Testing an outdoor prototype during an actual race allows us to observe factors that are sometimes difficult to replicate in a controlled environment: long-term comfort, ease of use when fatigued, stability, perceived performance, and whether the product meets users’ expectations.
Feedback collected right at the finish line
Initial feedback was collected right after the race, immediately after crossing the finish line. This moment is invaluable: the experience is still fresh in their minds, and the runners can accurately describe their feelings, reactions, and the challenges they faced.
This initial data collection is supplemented by a detailed survey that allows for a more in-depth evaluation of the products and enables us to compare feedback based on profiles, levels of use, and prior knowledge of the brand.
Turning field experience into useful insights
A product test is not limited to simply asking users whether they liked a piece of equipment. To be truly useful, it must be based on a structured methodology, precise evaluation criteria, and an in-depth analysis of the responses.
Pachamama thus transforms feedback from the field into actionable recommendations for:
- guide future product developments
- support R&D teams and product managers
- refine the positioning and marketing messages
- to better understand participants' habits and expectations
- enhance future brand activations
Combining Event Visibility with Field Data
For a sports or outdoor brand, having a presence at an event is a unique opportunity to connect with its users. By incorporating a testing protocol into this activation, the brand can go beyond mere visibility and gather concrete data to guide its decisions.
Would you like to organize a product test during a race, trade show, or outdoor event? Pachamama Outdoor Innovation designs the setup, recruits the right participants, organizes the collection of feedback, and analyzes the results.
Pachamama Outdoor Innovation: always on the lookout for the best outdoor innovations
At Pachamama Outdoor Innovation, we test and select game-changing products for adventurers, trail runners, hikers and outdoor sports enthusiasts. We believe in innovative, sustainable outdoor products that are accessible to all.
