Whilst most texts in this area cater for marketing, political and social science research, this book sets out the way focus groups can be applied particularly to ergonomics (human factors) and design-related projects, and compares their use with other methods. Examples from a wide range of subject areas including IT systems, product design and health and safety research are included.
The book demystifies the subject and includes practical guidance on setting up and running focus group sessions, to enable and encourage the professional (and novice) to employ these techniques usefully and with confidence.
An ideal book for the professional to the undergraduate student. It is written for ergonomists, designers and anyone running product related focus groups or involved in product research.

eBook available with sample pages: 0203302745

There is considerable interest in and growing recognition of the emotional domain in product development. The relationship between the user and the product is paramount in industry, which has led to major research investments in this area.
Traditional ergonomic approaches to design have concentrated on the user's physical and cognitive abilities. However, new approaches also take into consideration the user's emotional relationship with their belongings. Design and Emotion is an edited collection of papers given at the 3rd Design and Emotion Conference 2002. These contributions outline the latest developments, findings, and techniques in industrial applications and in research, bringing you up-to-date with the current thinking in this field.
As a forum for discussing the latest ideas in emotion-driven design, this book will prove to be essential reading for all human factors specialists involved in design.

This book focuses on various aspects of research on ageing, including in relation to assistive technology; dignity of aging; how technology can support a greater understanding of the experience of physically aging and cognitive changes; mobility issues associated with the elderly; and emerging technologies. The 80+ age group represents an expanding market, with an estimated worth of GBP21.4 billion a year. Everyone is affected by this shift in demographics - we are getting older and may become carers - and we need to prepare ourselves and adjust our surroundings for longer life. Products, services and environments have been changing in response to the changing population. Presenting international design research to demonstrate the thinking and ideas shaping design, this book is a valuable resource for designers; product developers; employers; gerontologists; and medical, health and service providers; as well as everyone interested in aging.

This book focuses on various aspects of research on ageing, including in relation to assistive technology; dignity of aging; how technology can support a greater understanding of the experience of physically aging and cognitive changes; mobility issues associated with the elderly; and emerging technologies. The 80+ age group represents an expanding market, with an estimated worth of GBP21.4 billion a year. Everyone is affected by this shift in demographics - we are getting older and may become carers - and we need to prepare ourselves and adjust our surroundings for longer life. Products, services and environments have been changing in response to the changing population. Presenting international design research to demonstrate the thinking and ideas shaping design, this book is a valuable resource for designers; product developers; employers; gerontologists; and medical, health and service providers; as well as everyone interested in aging.

There is considerable interest in and growing recognition of the emotional domain in product development. The relationship between the user and the product is paramount in industry, which has led to major research investments in this area. Traditional ergonomic approaches to design have concentrated on the user's physical and cognitive abilities. However, new approaches also take into consideration the user's emotional relationship with their belongings. Design and Emotion is an edited collection of papers given at the 3rd Design and Emotion Conference 2002. These contributions outline the latest developments, findings, and techniques in industrial applications and in research, bringing you up-to-date with the current thinking in this field. As a forum for discussing the latest ideas in emotion-driven design, this book will prove to be essential reading for all human factors specialists involved in design.