Interview Techniques for UX Practitioners

Chapter 5

Focus Groups

A focus group is a qualitative research method where a moderator (sometimes called a facilitator) guides a group of five to twelve participants through a series of questions or exercises related to a particular topic in a nonthreatening environment. This chapter provides the general procedures for planning and conducting focus group and many tips on how focus groups can yield useful data. Techniques for hybrid focus groups that involve integrating other user-centered design methods with traditional focus group methods are described.

Keywords

Interview; focus group; focus troupe; group interview; moderator; facilitator; usability roundtable

Outline

Overview of Focus Groups

When Should You Use Focus Groups?

Strengths