Whether it is done for quality control or for homologation, testing often reveals qualities that are not intended to be detected or measured by the test methods used. This gives the test engineer unique insight as to the quality, relevance and ambiguity of the test method and the protective quality of the product. This information which, as far as the instantaneous test result is concerned. might be considered irrelevant, can and should be used by research personnel for deriving more relevant and perspicuous test methods and for developing products with better protective qualities. This paper discusses various aspects of testing as a tool in applied research with two case studies, namely testing of. boxing gloves and testing of sporting helmets.