# Research summary
source: https://developer.mastercard.com/unified-installments/documentation/experience-design-guide/installments-solutions-for-existing-cards/research-summary/index.md

### What we learned was invaluable {#what-we-learned-was-invaluable}

To make the experience true to the mission, we asked hundreds of consumers to test the carded installment experience and provide feedback. Using the insights from the research, we updated the flows. To learn more, we provide a consolidated summary below that includes the criteria and results from the different rounds of testing.  

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### Design Quality Score results {#design-quality-score-results}

The Design Quality Score is one of several CX metrics leveraged by Mastercard to quantifiably measure the quality of the design, experience, and content. In a Design Quality Score study, consumers are asked to interact with the design of a concept and gauge how well that design meets their needs. Within each study lives a defined total of three Themes - Emotion, Ease, and Effectiveness.

Three versions of the installment conversion experience were tested using a Design Quality Score study with a total of 380 participants that included people who had at least three credit cards and use pay in installment services or are open to using a pay in installment service. **The DQS scores were:**

* **Checkout with Click to Pay: 91 out of 100**
* **Checkout with merchant card on file: 88 out of 100**
![Research summary 1](https://static.developer.mastercard.com/content/unified-installments/uploads/research-summary-1.png)

### What we tested {#what-we-tested}

* During purchase: Checkout with Click to Pay
* During purchase: Checkout with merchant card on file

![Research summary 2](https://static.developer.mastercard.com/content/unified-installments/uploads/research-summary-4.png)

### What we learned {#what-we-learned}

* Users appreciate the intuitive and straightforward process.
* Transparency is highly valued by the customers across the journey.
* Trust in reputable issuers offering carded installments is significant and noted by the users.
* A wide range of offers create flexibility, which is appreciated especially for large purchases ($500+). However, some users found the number of offers overwhelming, impacting their decision-making process.
* Participants also showed openness to using this service from new issuers, not just their own banks.
* The comprehensive offering created a sense of control and empowerment in decision-making for the users.
* Design and layout were also well received.
* Users expressed a need to clarify the benefits of using the installments during checkout.
* Users expressed the need for clear communication around minimum payment and APR. New users to installments also expressed a need for clearer content for better understanding.
* Confusion was expressed around the amount charged at the time of purchase, specifically the difference between the full price and the first installment.

### Outcomes from research {#outcomes-from-research}

As a result of our research, we updated the flows with improved content for installment plans and a clear breakdown of the plan costs to ease consumer understanding and enhance the consumer experience.

![Research summary 3](https://static.developer.mastercard.com/content/unified-installments/uploads/research-summary-3.png)

Next: [Prepare for launch](https://developer.mastercard.com/unified-installments/documentation/experience-design-guide/installments-solutions-for-existing-cards/prepare-for-launch/index.md)