UMN Research Group:
with Mary Anne Casey, Sally Dinsmore, David Ernst, Jim Hatten, Richard Krueger, Michael Lee, Caryn
Lindsay, Alison Link, Nance Longley, Mary Catherine O'Brien, Patrick O'Leary, Alfonso Sintjago
Why/how is this a focus group?
○ A small, homogenous group of information-rich participants
○ Involved in a focused discussion (in-person, online, or over the phone)
○ In a non-threatening environment○ Guided by a skilled moderator○ Using systematic and verifiable analysis
The Technology "Time-Space Continuum"
a Multi-Purpose Asynchronous Environment
Overview
Key Logistics
● Test it! Before Going Live
● Every Discussion May Take A Day or More
● 2 to 3 Moderators Are Needed
● Basic Tech Support Is Recommended
Key Features
Affordability
Works Well with A Poor Internet Connection
Threaded Discussion Board
Feature Must be Activated Its Benefit!
Chat Feature (Present in Every Page)
Relevance of Visual Appeal
Collecting Data
Flickr Image - CC BY-SA 2.0 – by letmehearyousaydeskomdeskom
Important Steps for Moderators
1. Require participants to create an account.
2. Give clear instructions on how to navigate the site.
3. Answer questions via internal messaging or email.
4. Monitor participants' answers, and encourage them to respond to each other’s comments.
5. Summarize responses with a post at the end of each day through a short list of bullet points.
We Hope You Enjoy Using Ning!
Ning Demonstration
● Log into focusgroupmesi.ning.com● 15 groups - Username and Password provided● Visit discussion forum and answer...● What is one of your favorite online shopping
sites?● We will encourage you to use the chat room
for side conversations.● Any Questions?
Sign in to - focusgroupMESI.ning.com
Adobe Connecta Multi-Purpose Synchronous Environment
Overview
● Synchronous (Real-time)● Feature-rich, multimedia options● Already popular with organizations for
trainings, webinars, etc.
Website: http://www.adobe.com/products/adobeconnect.html
Price: $55 / month / hostRecommended: 2 hostsFree for UMN employees (http://umconnect.umn.edu)
Sample
<embed video clip of most impressive part!>
Welcome Room
Text Chat Room
Voice Chat & Whiteboard Room
Voice & Video Chat Room
Cooldown Room
Adobe Connect Demonstration
http://umconnect.umn.edu/mesidemo2012
Take-Aways for Synchronous Groups
● Have 2-3 moderators○ Talk-moderator○ Tech-moderator
● Hardware: ○ headphones (mandatory)○ plugged into ethernet (if possible)
● Teach the tech - before and during● Build in redundancy● Anticipate glitches and model patience for
your participants (i.e. Stay cool!)
Lessons Learned
Lessons Learned
Environment
● Make it welcoming○ friendly feeling○ welcome video
● Personalize it○ profile pictures, avatars○ let people display their "personhood"
● Pay attention to layout and design○ simple! simple! simple!
Participants
● Keep the group small (4-5)
● Know your audience- Busy lives- Tech skills- Tech availability
● Consider how you recruit○ Furnish the right incentives (to keep them coming
back!)
Technology
● Keep the tools simple
● Stay behind the curve
● Keep the technology support "quiet"○ Be unobtrusive
(don't interrupt the conversation)○ Be proactive
(teach the technology, practice session, have a back-up plan)
Moderator
● Establish rules of engagement
● Be socially present
● Have multiple moderators
● Be prepared to manage interactions
http://z.umn.edu/onlinefocusgroups