The NAHB Research Center's State-of-the Art Observational Research Lab

The NAHB Research Center opened its new 42,000-square-foot physical testing and market research laboratory in the summer of 2007 to usher in the future of housing technology research.

This state-of-the-art Observational Research Lab combines comfort and efficiency with the latest in communication technologies for watching trade contractors and do-it-yourselfers install building materials and use tools and equipment. It also enables new product developers or marketers to discretely observe and record people working in a construction setting ,while making use of the facility's high-tech features, such as:

Observational Research Gallery overlooks the laboratory floor for observing the installation of construction materials.

• two levels of one-way glass
• fixed remote-control cameras
• helmet cameras and lavaliere mics for participants
• numerous plasma screens

Combined with its physical testing of materials, engineering and design assistance, and marketing research services, this new capability adds to the Research Center's platform as a one-stop shop for new product development and commercialization research.

How Does It Work?

A typical observational research project begins with a manufacturer who has a new building product or a product improvement.

1. The Research Center works with the client to plan, design, and assemble mock-ups of floors, walls, roofs, or entire structures to enable participants to install the building products or use the tools or equipment being tested.
2. The Research Center then recruits the appropriate participants and provides instructions and equipment for completing the study task.
3. The sponsor observes participants through one-way glass during the completion of the task. Frequently, participants then report to the facility's modern focus group rooms to discuss how the task went and to offer suggestions to improve the material, tool, or equipment.

Clients experience the contemporary elegance and exceptional customer service comparable to that of a premier conference center as they use the facility's well-appointed lounges to make phone calls, check email, and grab a snack or a meal at any time.