What is a group of individuals assembled to provide feedback on a product or service called?

A group of individuals assembled to provide feedback on a product or service is called a focus group. This term specifically refers to a qualitative research method where a selected group of participants discusses their perceptions, opinions, and attitudes towards a product, service, or concept. Focus groups are typically moderated by a facilitator, who guides the conversation to extract valuable insights that can help businesses refine their offerings based on direct consumer feedback.

Focus groups are particularly beneficial because they allow for dynamic discussions and the exploration of diverse viewpoints, which can lead to deeper understanding and more nuanced data than what might be obtained through surveys or quantitative methods alone. The interaction among group members can also stimulate ideas and responses that help identify customer needs and preferences more effectively.

The other terms mentioned, while related to gathering consumer insights, have different specific meanings and purposes. An advisory board typically consists of a group of experts who provide strategic guidance rather than direct consumer feedback. A consumer panel usually denotes a more structured long-term engagement with consumers who provide ongoing feedback but may not operate in a discussion format like focus groups. A research team refers to a group conducting broader research activities, which may or may not include focus groups as one of their methods.