The use and misuse of focus groups

Focus groups are a somewhat informal technique that can help you assess user needs and feeling both before interface design and long after implementation. In a focus group, you bring together six to nine users to discuss issues and concerns about the features of a user interface. The group typically lasts about two hours and is run by a moderator who maintains the group´s focus. Focus groups often bring out users´ spontaneous reactions and ideas and let you observe some group dynamics and organizational issues. The paper discusses the use and misuse of focus groups