NOW CLOSED: Insight Annual Round-up 2012: Join our panel or let us know what you’ve enjoyed this year and what you’d like us to do next year. FAB prizes up for grabs (again)

[AnnMumsnet]

The time has come for the insight team at MNHQ to do our annual round up of the year, to plead for those of you not yet on our panel to sign up and to thank you all for taking part in some amazing projects this year!

(In case you don't know insight covers surveys, product tests and sponsored threads on MN, as well as bloggers reviews, and reviewers recruitment)

Let us know what you think on this thread and you could win another prize!
We've got:

A Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 worth c£180 courtesy of the team at TalkTalk more details here

A whole years' supply of Aldi nappies from the folks at Aldi - worth c.£500

And thanks to the Royal Academy we have two x 4 adult tickets to their new exhibition showcasing Manet early next year. There are two prizes each of 4 tickets (if children under 12 they will go in free so the winner can invite another 2 adults) - worth £120. More info here

In 2012 we have given away over £25,000 worth of prizes in the form of vouchers, books, beauty products, hampers and technology.
You have tested nearly £70,000 worth of products - including having your DCs put My Little Pony, Chicco toys and Wonderbook Book of Spells to the test.

We've surely made (some of you) look younger or slimmer with product tests for Garnier UltraLift, Origins Plantscription and M&S shapewear.

We've helped feed the family by trying out the HomeCooker from Jamie and Philips, scoffing Kingsmill Fruit and Fibre bread and helped make dishes tasty by introducing Bisto Stock Melts.

We've got you talking about a range of topics - from baking for the Big Fair Bake, visiting National Trust properties with the family and cleaning with Ecover.


What have you enjoyed taking part in this year? Or appreciated reading about? What would you like us to product test next year?

Most of the product tests are on site but we also do a lot of projects with our lovely research panel. If you are not yet on our panel please see this link for more info or to sign up. You can select how often you get emailed and you can leave at any time if it?s not for you.

So to win one of the lovely prizes please do one of the following:
~ Post on this thread about what you've enjoyed doing insight-wise this year or what you've appreciated reading about
~ Post on the thread any suggestions for product tests etc you'd like to see next year (no promises but we can try!)
~ Post on the thread to say you have joined the panel

Thanks as ever for your time and feedback - all very much welcome
AnnMumsnet, TheOtherHelenMumsnet and KatieBMumsnet
x

[Cubaba]

Just joined. Looking forward to being involved in giving feedback to others that will hopefully allow someone to make an informed decision.

[ScienceRocks]

I love doing the product tests In the last year or so, I have had learn to read books, an interactive Winnie the Pooh toy, Method laundry detergent, Tesco cleaning spray, Marks and Spencer food, cheese and probably more that escape my memory at the moment. Thank you MN

I think the range of products to test is good and varied, and it is usually pretty straightforward to leave feedback. The incentives to provide feedback are good too, though having free stuff is also nice

Keep up the good work, MNHQ

[purplemonstermum]

I enjoyed the Shapewear - although I won the £50 voucher (supposedly) and despite chasing it twice it is STILL yet to arrive (and the trial I think was in June...)

I also liked the Method laundry.

Missed many of the other offers I think.

[YouSeveredHead]

I love this whether it's cleaning products (who knew I was so interested in cleaning) or rice pudding the family and I have loved all of them (except the choc porridge)

What to try next year? I think a shoe trial would be good oh and defo a wine trial

[StNiChaolas]

I think it's rediculous and discusting that you are still recruiting for this panel.

The chances of me being picked for anything more tahn a toothpick trial are severely diminishing.



[grr]

[EwanHoHoHozami]

I get unreasonably excited about doing the analytical stuff. I think it's a good opportunity to apply my nappy-addled brain to spend some time being erudite again. For this reason, I particularly appreciate the longer and more in-depth surveys. I put a lot of time and thought into the Parentport beta testing for example and got a lot of satisfaction for doing so.

The physical product trials (I've done Walkers crisps and Method laundry) are always appreciated in this household. I'd like to get involved with testing schemes or products that help stay-at-home parents get back to work (courses, books, websites or other resources) or anything based around adult education, really.

I like the idea of local involvement; I've seen the emails asking for panel members to attend a specific shop or restaurant and I've not been close enough to participate yet I'd definitely be interested in the future.

Thanks for letting me join in!

[InMySpareTime]

I love the product tests, the method laundry liquid is still doing a great job on DSs ex-white rugby shorts, they are approaching actually white for the first time since they were new!
The DCs still play with the Optimus Prime we got a couple of years back (I was more enamoured of the video camera that came with it)
I would love to product test some family Wii games, or dairy free treats for DS. I'd like a washing machine or tumble dryer product test (gutted I wasn't picked for the Dyson test).
The primula pods went down well with DH and DD, but DS is a bit put out that we got cheese twice and not the chocolate porridge that was dairy free.
I love getting parcels with stuff for me, even if it is "housey stuff"

[orangepudding]

I'm happy to take part in any product test. I also gave tips for Moo cheese, that kind of thing is fun too.

I would most like to test technology and gadgets but food is always good too!

[CouthyMowEatingBraiiiiinz]

I liked testing the Bisto stock melts - and I always keep them in my cupboards now.

[ouryve]

While everyone clamours for the high value product tests (I'm still wearing my lovely Berghaus jacket from 2 years ago :o) I think all the little tests have been great because they've given a lot of people a chance to have a go and to try something new, even if it's something as unglamorous as a kitchen spray or bottle of milk! I still like the opportunity to try something big, though and do think it's useful to see people's experiences of those things.

I've been less enthusiastic about some of the sponsored discussions c/o various financial institutions, specially the recent Barclays ones where the questions weren't even relevant to the way that most people live.

[QODRestYeMerryGentlemen]

I've tested the Eco tesco cleaner (still under sink as it leaked every time I tilted it) and last year, the air purifier

Next year I'd like to test any alcohol

[Onetwothreeoops]

I've joined now. I was one of the group to test the Method laundry liquid, I enjoyed the experience and discovered a great product.

[AnnMumsnet]

prettybird - most product testing recruitment is done on the site via a stickied thread - some is done via the panel but I think only nappies recently.

[trikken]

I really like being on the panel too. This year I have enjoyed product testing the Tesco naturally powered cleaning spray and the method washing liquid. Plus I like doing the surveys.I get disproportionately excited when I see one in my inbox. (I obviously dont lead a very exciting life)

Any chance of a dishwasher product test next year? I know not likely, but if you dont ask you dont get.

Thanks for letting me take part in the panel MN.

[bearcub1]

I have tested a few things this year through mn and enjoyed doing them all. From washing detergent, baby toiletries to bread. I enjoy testing the products and writing the feedback. I am currently on mat leave, so by doing this makes me feel useful (in a commercial sense) and gives me little projects to do.
I really like the range of products and would defiantly like to see a range of products continue.
I have just signed up to be on the panel too.

[Roseformeplease]

I really enjoyed the M&S shape wear testing and feeling rather clandestine, going in under cover in the shop. I actually fell in love with shape wear, however, and got a bit chubby as I knew the knickers and tights would do the work of my willpower. I also really enjoyed, with the children, testing out one or two food products we have done. We loved Netflix, as well and still pay for it. I second the idea of feedback from companies about our insights. Some things, which were fairly unfavourably reviewed on here (eg the chocolate porridge) ended up on the shelves without alteration and it would be interesting to know why.

Would love to have more gadget type tests as I haven't been lucky enough to get one of these yet. Also, ones that could involve older children (High School age) more - perhaps where they could do their own feedback and feel involved. It is a good way of teaching children to be discerning consumers and they would really enjoy feeling in control of feedback rather than doing it through me. Obviously, I would personally love to test fast cars and luxury holidays. Would be happy to test things like the holiday booking process or something, even just for a discount. Also, some more regionalised testing (Scotland?) so that things in person do not always involve travelling to London. Happy to test out restaurants and cafes as well - we love eating out!


I think I am on the panel, but I will sign up again (or do you sign me up) just to be sure.

Thanks - I only found the site this year and am now well and truly hooked!

[whattodoo]

Enjoyed the M&S shapewear and the Method product tests.
I'd like more 'event' or activities to try eg films, cinema, day trips etc.
Also, more gadget tests to make life easier around the home or planning/organisation apps/resources - its a common thread on here Jan for calendar recommendations or organisational items such as filofaxes or similar.
I've really enjoyed being part of the project, the application processes are always straightforward and quick and the feedback threads are more relevant to me than adverts or promos that the manufacturer/retailer has put together.

[JollyOldChristmas]

I enjoy doing surveys. I'm not that into product testing mainly because I do as little housework as possible and I don't really want to do anything that involves videoing or taking pics of our family.

But I'll fill in as many surveys as you send me :)

[mrscrimbobash]

I joined the panel because the majority of things that were surveyed on MN I had an interest in anyway.

The majority of the surveys have been interesting, testing products- the Method one was GREAT and has changed my laundry shopping forever.
The online -but not actually banking-bank test was interesting but not of any use to me.
I've had yummy fruity bread from Kingsmill, found a milk replacement for DD with A2 milk and tasted Primula cheese.

It's been quite good fun getting things in the post that aren't the everyday bills etc!

The sponsored discussions have been a good read, with some interesting points to take away.

Product tests that I'd like to do would be technology like innotabs, vtechs, whatever the names of them are. We need a definitive thread for which one is the best!
I'd like to test hair products because my hair has been so unruly since DD was born that I haven't a clue what do with it!
I'd like to test some sort of weightloss thing. Whether it be W/W,S/W or another- just to see if it's for me before having to sign up proper.

[TaggieCrimbleBlack]

Hello.

I tested some pants. I quite like them despite the shocking wind they give me.

Here's to 2013 and some cheese testing. And also I'd like to test the knights of the round table. In particular Percival. And Arthur.

[GetKnitted]

To be honest, I could give an opinion about anything for a reasonable chance of winning a one or two hundred pound voucher of some sort!

I have enjoyed the conversational barclays chat threads (more the style there, rather than the sponsor particularly) and, of course, enjoyed being lucky enough to test out a free chicco toy with my two ds.

See, I've proved my point!

[MegBusset]

I've done product tests for chocolate porridge, fruit bread and cheese pods, with varying results but enjoyed them all. I am a cheapskate who likes getting free stuff

Actually the fruit bread, which we'd never bought before, is now a fixture in our shopping basket as DS2 loves it, we don't get Kingsmill though as Warburtons is much nicer!

I would love to test cameras, iPads, anything technological, or nice wine or chocolates :)

[whomovedmychocolate]

Please can we do a trial of the be good to yourself or similar supermarket ready meals range. I've dropped two stone and have a couple a week and there is SUCH A VARIANCE in quality between them and I'd love to be able to feed that back. NB yes you did the M&S one but I wasn't part of that.

I'd also like to see MN become a repository for thank yous - so for your partners mumsnetters could note really good service instead of the usual bitching and whining. For example recently someone in M&S was incredibly good with me, and it'd be nice to say 'hey well done' here. (and they might even like it too!) Dunno how it'd work though.

[Mandz07]

I only joined mn this year after stumbling across it while online. I wish I had found it long ago. I decided to join the insight panel and have benn chosen a number of times now to test product it's great. Have since recommended mn to loads if friends and family xx

[Teladi]

I think I must have messed up somehow as while I am on the panel I hardly ever get emails and don't think I have tested anything this year despite filling in the survey for quite a few things! I tested the Naturally Powered spray, which I liked, it lasted for ages! I don't shop in Tesco though so haven't had it again. I'm not sure what I'd like to test but will keep trying to sign up for the different tests. :)