2. In order to collect feedback from my audience demographic I decided to use the website ‘Survey Monkey’ in conjunction with the social networking site ‘Facebook’. This allowed me to collect both qualitative and quantitative data without taking too much of my time or the time of others, the consequence of this being that people felt more inclined to partake in my research. It was also incredibly useful in the respect that almost anyone that falls into my audience demographic (18-20 year olds) had access to my survey as these people are ones which I myself associate with. By using online survey technology it is far easier to analyse the information received. The problem with using ‘Facebook’ as a means of collecting data is that you have very little control over whether anyone actually takes the time to fill in your survey. If you are present at the time of conducting your research you are able to be certain that there are people participating in it. This is a problem I myself had at first as many people simply did not notice that I had posted the survey.
3. Age, Gender and Favourite Genres. I felt that it was important to clarify the age and gender of the person(s) answering the questionnaire. This then allowed me to focus more on those that fitted closest to my audience demographic. The reason I asked for their favourite genres of music is that I was then able to consider whether the individual had negative impressions of my video simply because of their dislike of that particular genre. By taking their tastes into consideration I was able to counter this problem greatly.
4. Qualitative and Quantitative. When designing my questionnaire I decided to use a mixture of questions with option boxes and ones with text boxes. It is important to have both as it allows a wider variety of answers and data. With the option boxes I was able to collect quantitative data, which is easily analysable, due to there being only a few select options. With the questions with a text box I was able to collect qualitative data, including peoples opinions and ideas, allowing me to get a better idea of how each individual audience member thinks and has reacted to the video.
5. Suggested Improvements. One of the most frequent answers to my question “ What would improve the video?” was that the video could have been a lot longer. This answer came up several times and so this is something that I would consider if I were to make a music video again. Examples of answers include; “Make it slightly longer in length.” and, “Maybe making it a bit longer.”
6. Suggested improvements (continued). Another issue many of the participants had was that the narrative, to them, was somewhat unclear. This is due to a flaws in our pre-production planning and research, indicating to myself and my partner how important this stage of production is. This is one of the key problems I have had with the video, and so, if I were to create another, I would pay a greater amount of time and attention to this stage of preparation.
7. Positive Aspects. Although there were issues with length and narrative a frequent compliment of my production was on the post production. More specifically the use of visual effects on the video as well as the pace and accuracy of editing. “Post filming editing and effects are excellent.”
8. Print Productions (Album designs and magazine advertisement). My method of research was the same for my print productions as it was for my music video research. However for this I created a far shorter questionnaire focusing only on the genre, whether the products looked professional, how it works in conjunction with the video and positive and negative points. Although I went about gathering my audience feedback in exactly the same way as previously I found that fewer people answered my questionnaire this time round. This may be due to assuming it was the same survey, or may simply be down to less people using ‘Facebook’ on the day I uploaded it.
9. Improvements. I received very little criticism for either of my print productions. The main criticism received was that it appeared to be more serious than the video, perhaps sending mixed messages about the artist. This however was a minor criticism.
10. Positive Aspects. A large percentage of those who answered my questionnaire stated that the imagery in my print productions was the most enjoyable aspects. Other elaborated, saying that the use of colour or particular images were what they found best about the products. It was also said that the placement of the image over a blank background was good as it was unusual and potentially challenging of CD art conventions.
11. Summary. One thing in particular I discovered from conduction this research is that it is highly important to use several different methods of data collection. In doing so one is able to avoid problems that may arise with using just one form of data collection. For example, it may be that not many people participate in an online questionnaire, however by conduction a screening as well it is possible to back up all research conducted without falling short of answers and/or participants.
12. Summary (continued) It is also very important to allow yourself time after data collection to use what you have learned to amend and negative aspects pointed out in your product. Myself and my partner, unfortunately, did not have time to do so, resulting in a product less satisfactory for the audience.
