ABSTRACT
This chapter analyzes different user-integration methods and assesses their suitability for supporting organisational learning processes. Methods of user integration have been developed in the context of market research and of participatory methods aiming at sustainable development. The set of methods that will be considered consists of two traditional and two innovative market research methods, and four participatory methods. Focus groups are a typical market research method that was originally developed for market research and employed as a research method in the social sciences. Like focus groups, product clinics are typical market research methods. They are based on consumer enquiry in the form of interviews and group discussions and aim at increasing a product's marketability. User toolkits play a central role in mass customisation approaches. They are special Internet websites where companies give customers the opportunity of designing products virtually.
