Focus Groups
Focus groups are a qualitative research method where a small group of participants (typically 6-10 people) engage in a guided discussion about a specific topic, product, or service, led by a moderator. They are used to gather in-depth insights, opinions, and feedback through interactive dialogue, often in fields like market research, user experience (UX) design, and social sciences. This method helps uncover attitudes, perceptions, and motivations that might not emerge in surveys or individual interviews.
Developers should learn about focus groups when working on user-centered design, product development, or agile methodologies to better understand user needs and validate assumptions. They are particularly useful during the discovery phase of a project, for testing prototypes, or gathering feedback on software features, as they provide rich qualitative data that can inform design decisions and improve usability. In tech contexts, this skill helps bridge the gap between technical implementation and user expectations, enhancing product-market fit.