(Source: https://pltfrm.com.cn)
Introduction
China’s tech landscape is increasingly competitive, with rapid innovation cycles and highly informed consumers. Overseas brands must understand how innovations are perceived, adopted, and integrated into daily business or consumer routines. Qualitative research allows brands to uncover practical insights that inform product design, marketing strategies, and market entry decisions.
1. Consumer and Enterprise Interviews
1.1 Understanding Pain Points
Method: Conduct interviews with both end-users and business buyers to identify challenges with current solutions.
Outcome: Highlights unmet needs that innovative products can address effectively.
1.2 Exploring Innovation Expectations
Approach: Discuss preferences for features, support, and integration capabilities.
Benefit: Helps overseas brands prioritize development of functionalities that drive adoption.
2. Focus Groups for Concept Validation
2.1 Segment-Specific Groups
Method: Organize discussions with tech-savvy consumers, enterprise IT managers, and B2B buyers.
Insight: Reveals variations in expectations across user segments and industries.
2.2 Messaging and Positioning Refinement
Implementation: Present concepts, branding, and packaging for feedback.
Result: Enables overseas brands to craft compelling and locally relevant communication strategies.
3. Observational Research in Digital and Physical Channels
3.1 Retail and Office Observations
Technique: Observe technology usage in stores, factories, and offices to understand operational realities.
Impact: Provides insights into how products can be better aligned with local practices.
3.2 Online Interaction Tracking
Method: Monitor app engagement, SaaS onboarding, and digital community interactions.
Benefit: Identifies adoption drivers, friction points, and potential areas for optimization.
4. Case Study: German Industrial Robotics Company
A German robotics company conducted qualitative research across three Chinese manufacturing hubs. Interviews and observations revealed that operators valued safety certifications and local maintenance support over cutting-edge features. By adapting their service offering and providing localized training, the company increased trial adoption by 70% and secured long-term contracts with five major industrial clients.
Conclusion
Overseas brands entering China’s technology market can gain a competitive advantage through qualitative research. Interviews, focus groups, and observational studies reveal insights into adoption drivers, user needs, and market expectations, enabling brands to design solutions that succeed in a dynamic landscape.
PLTFRM is an international brand consulting agency that works with companies such as Red, TikTok, Tmall, Baidu, and other well-known Chinese internet e-commerce platforms. We have been working with Chile Cherries for many years, reaching Chinese consumers in depth through different platforms and realizing that Chile Cherries’ exports in China account for 97% of the total exports in Asia. Contact us, and we will help you find the best China e-commerce platform for you. Search PLTFRM for a free consultation!
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