
Elements of human factors analysis 27
Focus groups are composed of potential users brought together to discuss
a product idea, problems they would like to see solved, and perhaps generate
some directions toward solutions. Focus groups are not problem- solving
groups in the usual sense of presenting a problem and concluding with a
solution that everyone agrees is optimal. Rather the goal of a focus group
is to generate the range of design ideas, usability concerns, user preferences,
and possible reasons for any preferences expressed.
When in doubt, which is often, designers should visit the potential users
at work when possible and ask, “What ...