Online bulletin board market research agency
An online bulletin board (OBB or OLBB) is an online forum that participants can log into to carry out research tasks or reply to questions asked by a moderator at their own pace. Respondents usually receive instructions on how often they should log in and how many tasks will be posted for them to work on, but they respond at their own pace.
100+ OBB projects completed
OBBs run in 15+ countries
4k+ OBB participants recruited
Why online bulletin boards?
Why should you conduct OBB market research?
An online bulletin board allows you to interact with a group of respondents for longer than would be practical in a focus group, so you can get to know the participants better and find out more about their views and needs. OBB platforms also offer wide variety of question types, including polls, open-ended questions (with or without attachments) and video questions. Since an OBB can run for several days or even weeks, it’s also a very useful methodology to use if you wish to iterate a solution or concept based on respondent feedback.
Another advantage of OBBs is that the participants can visit the platform when it is convenient for them, typically over the course of several days, rather than having to sign in at one particular time. Some OBBs allow anonymity, which can encourage candour and reduce aversion to sensitive or controversial subjects.
OBB clients
Selected OBB market research clients
FieldworkHub has managed online bulletin boards for some of the world’s leading brands...
Types of online bulletin board
What are the different types of OBB?
OBBs can be categorised based on the way that participants interact with the platform, the moderator and each other.
Dialogue OBBs
Each participant is in a dialogue with the OBB moderator regarding the OBB tasks, but the different participants have little or no interaction with each other. This can be regarded as a type of asynchronous in-depth interview (IDI).
Group Discussion OBBs
As well as being in a discussion with the moderator, participants are also engaged in a discussion with each other, by making comments on other participants’ submissions. This is somewhat analogous to an asynchronous focus group.
Diary-style OBBs
Participants make a submission each time they perform a particular activiity (e.g. when they exercise, or use a particular app). This type of OBB is good for studying user habits and uncovering user experience issues.
Case studies
Case studies of OBB research
We are experts in recruiting participants for OBBs in the UK, Europe and beyond. We have successfully recruited for more than 100 OBB projects and have run group in more than 10 different countries. Here is a small selection of our previous OBB research.
B2B OBB with IT security decision makers, UK
We recruited 13 IT security decision makers who worked for large companies to take part in a three-day OBB about external threat intelligence and digital risk protection solutions. Six of the participants were then invited to take part in triad interviews to explore some of the issues in more detail.
MROC: operator-supplied smartphone content, USA
A US cellular operator developed a special “infotainment” page for its smartphone users and wanted to gather customer feedback via an online platform. We recruited over 30 participants and validated their smartphone model, as well as their ability to access the page.
OBB, depth interview: new type of toothpaste, UK
FieldworkHub recruited 20 consumers in the UK to purchase a new type of toothpaste and make a number of videos over a period of several days giving their thoughts about it. We then invited six respondents who made the most interesting and insightful videos to take part in an online interview with the client.
OBB: active mobile gamers, Japan, Korea
We were asked to recruit respondents in Japan and Korea for an Online Bulletin Board. Respondents needed to be Android users and explore new apps and games on their phone frequently. We successfully recruited respondents, despite the difficulty of finding people who could commit to this lengthy project.
OBB: GenAI for children, Germany, India, Brazil, Japan
We conducted OBBs in Germany, India, Brazil, and Japan with kids, tweens and teens aged 6-17 to explore how children engage with GenAI tools. Participants tested several AI apps in sequence over a period of six weeks and shared insights on usability, preferences and learning potential.
OBB: Snap! users, UK, France, Canada
A US agency specialising in qualitative market research amongst Millennials and Gen Z asked FieldworkHub to recruit young people aged 13-17 and 18-22 who used Snapchat. We recruited 24 suitable respondents in the UK, France and Canada for the online video part of the project and almost 50 respondents for the OBB.
Client testimonials
Testimonials from OBB clients
Here’s what some of our previous online bulletin board clients say about us.
I was pleased to work with FieldworkHub to engage with small businesses. The team were friendly and engaging and they added value by make practical suggestions on how we could best capture the information we required in the fairest and most objective way possible. The team had to work to very tight timescales and they delivered. Their work contributed to the decisions and actions taken by us subsequently.
Tom
Regulatory Policy & Strategy
UK regulator
UK
We reached out to FieldworkHub after another firm told us they were not able to keep their commitment. Not only did Caroline respond to my email almost immediately, she picked up the phone and talked to me about my needs. Her team was super responsive and flexible, getting our work completed on time and budget. I highly recommend working with them and will absolutely be reaching out the next time I am conducting work in Europe.
Laura
Senior Director
Research Strategy
USA
Got questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
As consultants in the research space, we’ve got the answers to your questions about OBBs. And if there’s anything left unanswered, drop us an email or give the team a call. We’d be happy to help.
1
How long do OBB studies typically last?
OBB studies usually last from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the research objectives and the depth of information needed. This duration allows for thorough exploration of topics and sustained participant engagement.
2
How are participants recruited for OBBs?
Participants are selected based on specific criteria relevant to the study, ensuring they represent the target audience. Recruitment can be done via databases, social media, or specialised panels, aiming for diverse and relevant participation.
3
How is data collected and analysed in OBBs?
Most OBB platforms include lots of options for data collection, including surveys, open-ended questions, image uploads and video uploads. Many of the platform providers are investing heavily in Artificial Intelligence (AI) to help speed up data analysis. These tools include automated transcripts of video files, automated content summaries, and sentiment analysis.
4
How does an OBB compare to a traditional focus group?
Unlike focus groups, OBBs allow for more flexible participation, can reach a wider geographical audience, and provide more time for participants to reflect on their responses. This format can lead to deeper and more nuanced insights.
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