Focus+Group+Findings

=**Focus Group Findings**= // What did the Facebook online discussion tell us? //

An **online discussion** was done through [|Facebook] for the **focus group** aspect of our research. The [|Facebook] group was joined by [|40+ participants], and though only a //few// members actively participated on the //online discussion// in the group, many of the participants gave Team i2Smart4Skool feed back in person. For an **overview** of the [|Facebook] **focus group**, please **click** [|HERE]. The **results** of the several group discussions ([|Discussion 1] and [|Discussion 2]) helped us **refine** our //primary// idea in the **following aspects**:

[|Discussion 1] // If you have ever wanted/had to donate something (such as used clothing), __how did you find the charity?__ Did you call them to set up an appointment/pick-up time? Do they usually contact you first? __What was the experience like?__ //// Do you prefer to __find the charity yourself__, or would you prefer the __charities come find you?__ // By **analyzing** the replies of some of the **participants**, it is //evident// that one of the //donators'// biggest **concern** is their **__privacy__**. Many had a //relatively// fulfilling experience except for the constant calls that followed after the act of donating. Many **participants** reported feeling **irritated** and expressed a desire to **stop** **donating** due to the constant **violation of privacy** by the **representatives** from the charities **constantly** //calling// to **remind** them of how **great** their donations were, and **encourage** them to //donate over again.// Moreover, the most **predominant** //method// of **spreading** news/getting news about the **locations** of charities (which relates to our **drop-off locations** aspect of our final design) //seems// to be the **word-of-mouth**.

[|Discussion 2] // What kind of interactive media (ie. videos, Flash) do you like to __see/expect to see on the well-designed websites?__ Do these expectations change when you are looking at a __charity type website?__ Really, we are asking __what components make a good, interesting charity website__? // By **analyzing** the replies of some of the **participants**, some of the most frequent answers included a website that //"////catches my eyes, and it is user friendly, and simple to navigate around the site"// (Kevin L). Many of the **participants** //emphasized// the **importance** of a website //communicating// it's **purpose**. For example, a charity should have information about what the charity is and where the money goes. **Users** want to //feel// **secure** //so "that my money is not going to some scammer"// (Sabeen K). Also, some **participants** //support// having **interactive** //flashes and videos// on //websites// while others **do not**. Many felt that such //interactive measures// can sometimes **be too much**, or **take** away from the **credibility** of the //website//. Animations reminded some of annoying ads and pop-ups. While **others** felt it adds more "**kick**" to the //website//, adding to the **user's stickiness,** as long as it is //used// in **moderation**.

For more information about our **focus group**, please visit our Research Methods or Focus Group pages.