Aims of the activity and description of target group
Participants have already started to reflect on aspects of this activity in Session #1, Activity 3 "Analyzing the network". Now we will deepen the analysis of the potential audience. Participants will analyze the target group in detail and learn about their motivation to participate in the project. The activity is suitable for researchers and citizens in a group or individual learning setting. Session #1 should be carried out beforehand.
Resources, Materials needed
Paper, pens, color pencils
Duration
45 minutes
Step 1 - Make your topic the center (5 minutes)
Take a sheet of paper, draw an element in the middle and write the name of your topic in it:
Step 2 - Add groups and people (10 minutes)
Think about who is affected by your topic and for whom the research is relevant. Divide the part outside the central element into segments: one for each group. Enlarge the segments for groups that are particularly affected. Give each segment a name, but leave some space in each segment for additional notes.
Step 3 - Add needs and interests for each group (15 minutes)
Think about what needs each group has in relation to the topic. What could be interesting for them? What could help them? Where do they have questions or unresolved problems?
Step 4 – Highlight important needs (10 minutes)
To find out which needs occur most frequently, mark common needs in the same color. If you notice that you have overlooked needs or aspects within individual groups, add them to the relevant area.
Step 5 - Rate groups
Highlight the groups that are most likely to have the greatest need or interest in participating in the project. You can distinguish between groups of primary and secondary interest.
Learning Outcomes - which skills are addressed?
The participants now have a clear picture of the groups that could be involved in their project. They learn to identify and focus on relevant needs, topics or issues.
How do you check the outcomes are reached?
Participants have identified at least one target audience group for their project and one core need, topic or question their project could be about.
De-Briefing questions
- Did you identify one or more relevant groups for your project?
- Did you identify one or more relevant needs, questions or interest with the groups?
Further links and readings
- Waling, Leah: Fundamentals of Engineering Technical Communications, Chapter 2. Understanding Your Audience. https://ohiostate.pressbooks.pub/feptechcomm/chapter/2-audience/ (last viewed 02/05/2024)