User-Centred Requirements Handbook |
Group discussions are based on the idea of stakeholders within the design process discussing new ideas, design options, costs and benefits, screen layouts etc., when relevant to the design process. Group discussions help to summarise the ideas and information held by individual members. The general idea is that each participant can act to stimulate ideas in the other people present, and that by a process of discussion, the collective view becomes established which is greater than the individual parts.
Typical Application Areas
Useful for obtaining opinions efficiently from a range of people.
Benefits
Group discussions help to summarise the ideas and information held by individual members. The general idea is that each participant can act to stimulate ideas in the other people present, and that by a process of discussion, the collective view becomes established which is greater than the individual parts.
Limitations
Some individuals may not get the chance to air their views or may be inhibited by other group members, particularly colleagues or more senior staff. Some people may also not always think creatively in a group setting and prefer to be interviewed or to complete a survey form in their own time.
What you need
Requires preparation on the part of the group chair to make sure that the meeting focuses on the issues at hand.
Process
1. Decide on the objectives of the meeting and the participants required to take part in it.
2. When contacting the participants explain clearly what topics are to be discussed and the meeting format. Also obtain agreement beforehand if any particular recording techniques are to be used e.g. video or audio recording.
3. Produce a timetable for the session and run a pilot session to check that the timetable is realistic. If background information is required from the group individuals, prepare a suitable questionnaire for administration either before or after the session.
4. During the session the discussion leader should be active in formulating the themes for the discussion, and summing up the results at the end of each topic. It is important to distinguish between what is the consensus of the group, and what is the opinion of different participants.
Practical guidelines
• Create a good atmosphere.
• Provide participants with a simple form to complete personal details before the meeting starts. This can help provide an activity while any last minute setting up is required or if some participants are late arriving.
• Suggest some rules for the discussion and enforce these rules.
• Support the participants in the formulation of the problem, and guide the participants when necessary.
• Prevent destructive behaviour on the part of specific participants.
• Protect individuals whose ideas and comments differ from others in the group.
• Do not suggest solutions to the problem.
• Avoid evaluating proposed solutions.
• Ensure that all participants get an opportunity to contribute and that the proceedings are not dominated by any one person or group.
• If the group includes people with severe visual impairments, the group leader should wear bright clothes to make sure that he can be seen by all the participants.
Further information
Maculae (1996), Poulson et al (1996).
Refer to RESPECT deliverable D6.2 for information on running discussion
groups involving users with impairments and disabilities, as well as
elderly and young users.