System and method for increasing the accuracy of forecasted consumer interest in products and services

摘要

For new and experimental products for which no actual purchasing behavior is measurable, consumer behavior forecasting data is collected and then corrected based on a comparison of forecasted versus actual measured behavioral data for existing, similar products. The illustrative embodiment selects products or services that are (a) similar (based on various objective and subjective criteria) to the new product or service, and (b) are at a stage where actual consumer behavior can be measured. A computer then analyzes predicted consumer behavior forecasts for this similar product(s) or service(s) versus actual measured consumer behavior to determine a correction factor. This correction factor is then applied to correct predicted consumer behavior forecasts for a new product or service for which no actual consumer behavior can yet be measured. The resulting corrected forecasts more accurately reflect likely actual consumer behavior by taking into account errors inherent in the potential consumer survey process.