Why do you use this activity?
When we outline what users need, we can better focus on ideas that help achieve their goals.
When should you use this activity?
Use this activity after research and when you want to reframe your thinking to be more user-centred. Ask yourselves, “What does our user need?”
How do I do this activity?
GATHER
Come prepared. Needs Statements are only as reliable as the data you have, so make sure you have defensible data based on real observation. When you can, invite users or Sponsor Users to participate.
SET UP
Frame the activity by writing the following prompt:
[Our user] needs a way to [addresses this need] so that they [benefit in this way.]
DIVERGE
Diverge on the needs and benefits you believe you’re solving. Stay away from writing features as best as you can. If an idea is expressed in terms of the machine (“dashboard,” “click,”, or "algorithm"), that’s a clue that it’s a feature.
CONVERGE
Cluster similar ideas and discuss. As you converge, try writing a few Needs Statements that represent key elements. Make sure you use the same format as the original prompt.
PLAYBACK
Choose one person to play back the converged Needs Statements.
What new questions do you have based on this exercise? Consider immediately following up with an ideation session.
Comments