Conducting focus groups are good method for observation. Observation provides rich detailed feedback from potential users on the design and characteristics of the project. Focus groups allow issues specifically related to our mobile phone application to be raised that otherwise might be missed. It also enables the potential users to put forward their own opinions. This is to make sure that the application is actively designed with the potential users.
A focus group was arranged by the team and eight students participated. The atmosphere was kept relaxed and we mostly allowed the students themselves to lead the group discussion, while ensuring we included some key questions. We provided paper prototypes of the proposed design and layout of the application. These were created in photoshop. We believe that the participants gave open and honest feedback on the application and all participants made suggestions as to how the application could be improved before the final prototype is submitted.
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