Discover what’s most important to the people who’ll be using your design solution.
Difficulty: 1/5
TIME
15 min. tops! Don’t let this activity drag on for too long. Time caps keep energy and engagement levels high.
Participants
2–4 humans
Core Competency Connection
MATERIALS
- Pre-made cards with a relevant word or image on them
- Sticky notes
- Black felt marker
PREP
Design your cards:
- Mix abstract and concrete ideas.
- Print cards on high quality card stock.
They’ll be more durable and
look more professional.
Set up the space:
- Lay the cards on the table in no particular order in front of the person you’re designing for.
- Provide enough sticky pads and felt markers for all observers.
The Process
Step 1: Places, everyone!
- Have the person you’re designing for sit in front of the cards.
- Ensure all observers have a clear view of the person you’re designing for as well as the cards.
- Equip all observers with one sticky pad and a black felt marker.
Step 2: Ready, set, action!
- Ask the person you’re designing for to sort the cards according to what is most important (or preferable) to them.
- Ask them to speak out loud as they are sorting the cards, explaining their reasoning.
Step 3: Observe & take notes
- Ask observers to write observations—one per sticky—as the person they’re designing for sorts the cards and explains their decisions.
Step 4: That’s a wrap!
- Have all observers gather their observations and discuss their findings. This will help determine what other methods will help fill gaps and clarify understandings.
Tips & Tricks
Free or inexpensive programs such as Piktochart, Canva and Noun Project make it easy to create high quality, professional printed or digital materials on the fly.
Leave a Reply