1. What is a RoadTest?
The element14 RoadTest program is a product review administered by the element14 Community. It is a review based on actual testing and experiments. RoadTests go beyond subjective web reviews by providing an objective opinion about a product's quality, ease of use, documentation, and performance. Beyond a simple “star” review, a RoadTest is a detailed review that shares "the experience of the product" through videos, charts, screenshots, tables, graphs, and other multimedia. A RoadTest is not necessarily a project where the goal is to build new prototype or discover a new application for the product; rather, the primary focus of a RoadTest is to review the product (i.e., Does it work? Is the documentation useful? Is it easy to use?)
RoadTest applicants compete to receive a RoadTest product. Applicants undergo extensive pre-screening by the element14 RoadTest Program Manager prior to selection to ensure the best qualified and most reliable applicants are chosen as official RoadTesters. Once the RoadTest Program Manager selects the official RoadTesters, they will be notified by email. The product or kit is shipped to the RoadTesters at no charge. RoadTesters keep the product after they publish a review on element14. The RoadTesters have 60-days from receipt of the product to perform testing and write a review on element14.
2. Who can apply for a RoadTest?
element14 Community members only. If you are not a member, click here to register. In the upper right hand portion of your browser there will be a green Register button.
3. How much does a RoadTest cost?
For members of the element14 community, there is no charge to participate in the RoadTest program. However, the program is supported by the sponsors of the program. Without their financial support, the program would not exist in its present form. This is why each review is important to the entire program.
4. How long do I have to complete a RoadTest?
You have 60 days from the receipt of the product to complete the RoadTest and submit your review.
5. Do you provide the test equipment for me to RoadTest the product?
While element14 provides the product to be RoadTested, it does not provide the test equipment to perform the testing. The RoadTest applicant must have the main resources the complete a review. On a case by case basis, the RoadTest program Manager has provide complementary parts to enhance a roadtest. Examples would include a cable, an expansion daughter board, etc.
6. What do I need to deliver to you to show I completed the RoadTest?
You need only complete a RoadTest review and post it on the element14 Community website. The RoadTest Program Manager tracks the RoadTest reviews and monitors when they are posted. Moreover, the RoadTest Program Team conducts follow up emails over the course of the RoadTest to ensure the review is on track and can be delivered in the 60-day timeframe.
7. Is there a limit to the number of RoadTests for which I can apply?
There is no limit to the number of RoadTests for which you can apply. However, The RoadTest Program Manager tries to limit the number of reviews that a member can concurrently be working on.
8. How will my RoadTest Review be used? Who will read it?
RoadTests reviews are available for anyone to read on the element14 Community website. They will be read by community members, potential customers, the manufacturer, and other interested parties. The sponsor of the product eagerly waits and reads all the reviews of their product. If they have a questions, the RoadTester will be contacted by the RoadTest Program Manager.
9. How will I know I have been selected to RoadTest the product for which I applied?
The RoadTest Program Manager will contact you when you are selected. You do not need to contact the Program Manager. He will reach out to the selected finalists on the element14 community for additional information, as well as to confirm their interest in participating. Failure to respond to this message will result in your application being eliminated.
10. What do I do if I am not selected as a RoadTester?
This question can be answered in several ways. If you are asking what can you do about a RoadTest that you were not selected for, the answer is nothing. You may want to review your application entry form and ask yourself how you could have made it a more persuasive entry. Keep on trying by applying to other RoadTests. Another thing you can do is participate in other programs on the element14 Community, which typically earn you participation points which the RoadTest Program Manager looks at during the selection process. The final thing you can do is to log into the element14 Community frequently. Members who are logging into the community frequently and more often selected as RoadTesters than those who do not. RoadTests are an activity of element14. Hence, it is a program for members who want to participate in our community.
11. If I am selected as a RoadTester, can I keep the product I tested?
Yes. That's the great benefit of being a participant in the RoadTest program. You get the product for free in exchange for your objective feedback.
12. What happens if I don't provide a RoadTest review?
Ever so often, RoadTesters are unable to provide a review for a variety of reasons. If you are a RoadTester and you are unable to complete the review, please contact the RoadTest Program Manager as soon as possible so he is aware of your situation. He may be able to offer you a solution, including additional time if necessary. If you do not provide a RoadTest Review within 60 Days and you do not contact us regarding your situation, you may be barred from participating in any future RoadTest.
13. Will I receive a Badge for my RoadTest review or application?
We have introduced rewards for applying for a RoadTest! You'll receive a number of points for applying for the RoadTest, upon successful completion of a RoadTest review once you've received your hardware, you'll be awarded with points and a badge.
14. Are there any restrictions on countries or nationalities who can apply?
Typically, our roadtests are global. So, they are not restricted. However, on rare occasions, a product can only operate in a specific region of the world. For those roadtests we would either limit it to a region or strive to get a version that can operate in other regions.
