Anyone else use asymmetric applications when testing?

When trying out a new product, I've taken to applying it asymmetrically the first few times I use it ...

For example, I use a single drop or spray of the new product on one forearm (or elbow pit) followed by a spray of a cover, then a spray of the cover alone on the other forearm. Then the next time I test out that product I'll switch the side it's on. It's proven to be useful and kinda fun sometimes.

(06-20-2013 1:33 PM)mike007 Wrote:  Anyone else use asymmetric applications when testing?

When trying out a new product, I've taken to applying it asymmetrically the first few times I use it ...

For example, I use a single drop or spray of the new product on one forearm (or elbow pit) followed by a spray of a cover, then a spray of the cover alone on the other forearm. Then the next time I test out that product I'll switch the side it's on. It's proven to be useful and kinda fun sometimes.

Please explain how you have found this to be useful.

(06-20-2013 2:20 PM)Blade Wrote:  Please explain how you have found this to be useful.

I've found this method of A/B testing useful in lots of ways ...

-- Cover testing: Is the cover effective at covering the stench of certain mones?

I've been asking friends to help me evaluate men's fragrances, A and B. The A and B samples are the same cover, but one also involves a drop of product. I've quickly learned who tends to have strong aversions to the scent (not necessarily the effect) of certain -Androstenone, -Androstadienone and cops containing products. I'm also starting to figure out which covers work well at masking what they'd otherwise find to be too unpleasant.

I'm also finding that you shouldn't jump to any hard and fast conclusions for a woman ("X can't stand the scent of molecule Y") let alone a type of woman based on a single or small number of tests. While there are definitely some women who if they detect certain mone scents are always immediately repulsed, there are others I've found whose aversion or tolerance seems to correlate to their monthly cycles.

-- Cover testing: Does the cover scent itself come across good, bad, indifferent to various subjects?

The above A/B testing is done with friends in what are essentially casual interviews. The other type of A/B testing I've done is more along the lines of "field testing".

-- Field testing: The field testing involves whatever unwitting subjects I happen to be around, friends, acquaintances, complete strangers.

In this field A/B testing, I'm not only on the lookout for any observable effects (positive or negative) on people exposed to the mone cloud, I'm also looking to see if any A/B side effects are noticeable. The answer looks to be, yes, for some people and with some products, there are observable attraction or aversion effects that follow the application side.

I swear some women could replace bloodhounds for tracking down hot sweaty escaped prisoners. They'd probably enjoy it too.