[Sigia-l] User Testing Vs. Focus Groups

[Unger Russ]

> Does anyone have any thoughts about best practices for focus groups? I've
> done a lot of one on one user testing, but have not conducted a lot of
> focus groups. We're basically showing a prototype application to a target
> group of users, about 10, via WebEx.
> 
> I'm concerned about "group think" and "mob rule" type comments as we review
> the application.
> 
> Any thoughts about how to best show the application and which questions to
> ask to get the most valuable feedback from the group?

Are you trying to do a Participatory focus group? 5-8 participants?

What are your goals? What do you hope to achieve from this approach?

My humble opinion: Focus groups are best used when you want to learn how different segments or groups feel about a topic, or if you want to gain insight into how different ideas may be received by different groups of people. Focus groups will not be your ideal choice if you want to perform usability testing or you are seeking statistical data. Usability testing is best performed in a one-on-one scenario, and each participant can perform tasks based on his or her normal behaviors and without the input or influence of others.

--Russ


Russ Unger 
UserGlue.com

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