
This is linked to my previous post where I stressed the importance of 'target audience' in new product development.
One of the most effective ways to understand your target audience and assess/seek opportunities is to organise a focus group. It will tell you :
- who they are (more than any document/presentation can)
- how they think (more than any document/presentation can)
It may also help to develop meaningful personas that will help you in the build phase.
All you need:
- 8-10 people. The simplest way to get them is use an agency. Indiefield are good.
- A good structure. Keep each exercise to a max of 20 mins. You probably only need an hour.
- Someone to facilitate and keep the thing going.
- Someone good at taking notes and being observant.
- An NDA.
Oh, and a few snacks and liquids.
There's actually no better way (other than building and launching the thing) to test and uncover opportunities.
You'll be glad you did it.