Digital journaling is a longitudinal qualitative research method where participants document their thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and experiences over time — using a mix of video, text, and photo entries. Unlike a one-time survey or interview, journaling captures the full arc of an experience as it unfolds. That means you're seeing real-life context, not post-rationalized recall. It's especially powerful in industries like healthcare, CPG, and retail, where what people actually do often looks very different from what they say they do.
Rival turns digital journaling into a frictionless, mobile-first experience. Participants respond naturally — and you get honest, emotionally rich insights day after day.
Participants engage through SMS notifications and Rival's conversational interface — no download needed. Lower friction means higher engagement and more consistent entries.
In addition to robust quant capabilities (including grids), Rival lets you capture photos, videos, and open-ended responses — giving you a deeper understanding of the "why" behind consumer habits.
As attitudes, behaviors, and preferences evolve, your participants' profile variables are updated over time — making sure that you have the most up-to-date data informing your insights.
Combine the power of AI and our Thoughtfulness Scoring to probe deeper, and use our AI analysis features to uncover key themes, create video reels and more.
Reach participants the moment you need them with SMS or WhatsApp notifications and automated reminders that keep response rates high over the study period.
Review responses in real-time using Rival's mobile toplines, or create custom reports with our robust reporting and AI-powered summarizing capabilities.
A major food brand recruited consumers to document their morning routines over several weeks — capturing photos, videos, and daily reflections that revealed unmet needs and directly influenced the brand's product innovation strategy.
A leading health and wellness company had fitness enthusiasts journal their workouts and wellness routines over time, surfacing the attitudes and behaviors that shaped the brand's positioning, promotions, and customer segmentation.
A major tech company ran a journal study to capture how consumers research and buy across digital and physical retail environments — uncovering the real moments of friction and decision-making that traditional research consistently misses.
Insight teams are redefining quality, connection and impact in the age of AI.
Insight communities are powerful tools to capture ongoing feedback and to recruit participants for more specific studies.
Learn the impact of conversational research on engagement, data quality, richness and depth, and more.
Learn how to use Rival Technologies to get accurate and in-the-moment feedback on brand messaging.Get accurate and in-the-moment feedback on your brand messagingGet accurate and in-the-moment feedback on your brand messaging
Learn how leading brands use conversational research to drive business outcomes.
