Focused Group Discussion Template

Remember

• Be warm, but professional.
• Record audio when possible.
• Sample real experiences, don’t ask for opinions (ex. Tell me about the last time you did XYZ).
• No leading questions or examples of answers.
• Silence is OK – give participants time to think about the question.
• If the participant doesn’t understand the question, take a moment to rephrase it. Think about the insight you are trying to uncover.
• Avoid becoming the expert. Even if the participant is doing something incorrectly, don’t correct them. Starting to correct them will also negatively change the dynamic of the interview.

Mission

Why are you doing this research? This is your North Star reminder of how this session will help your initiative forward

To learn more about CHWs’ thoughts and opinions on a [specific topic]

Learning objectives

In the discovery phase, your objectives likely include better understanding user context and pain. You might want to learn what tools or services they are currently using to solve their existing pains, and to test your hypothesis. List these objectives here so you can refer to them.

What do CHWs think about [XYZ]?

Script

Intro

• Introduce yourself. Briefly explain your role and why you are talking to users.
• Talk about what will happen in the session, how long it might last, the sorts of questions you’ll ask them.
• Have the group introduce themselves.
• Explain no right or wrong answers; it’s their experience that matters.
• Let them know there will be time for questions at the end.
• Explain why we record interviews and ask for permission.

Discussion topics

1. When you think of [the topic], what comes to mind?
2. How often do you deal with [the topic]?
3. What do you like or dislike most about [the topic]?
4. How does it compare to [XYZ]?
5. Does it meet the needs of its function?
6. Does anyone else have a similar experience?
7. What improvements do you think could be made?

Conclusion

• Thank them for their time
• Let them know their feedback is important to improve the app for all CHWs