Software Architect's Handbook

Focus groups

Focus groups can be organized to elicit requirements. This technique is more formal than brainstorming and involves inviting a group of participants to provide feedback. This technique is commonly used for public applications that will have external users. In that case, the invited participants are users or outside experts who are external to the organization.

A moderator runs the session. The selected moderator is often skilled at running focus groups and is hired specifically to perform that role. The moderator asks the questions and encourages the participation of all the participants. Moderators should remain neutral during the session.

The questions asked during a focus group are typically open-ended and promote discussion. ...