Description Long

The method describes user interactions with future products, services, or processes using personas and scenarios. A scenario shows how a persona achieves a goal through specific tasks, taking motivation and emotions into account. The method helps visualise, test, and optimise innovative ideas by aligning context, users, and goals. Visualising scenarios using sketches, photos, or Post-it notes is particularly important.

This method allows for the targeted exploration of the following aspects: the context in which the innovation can be meaningfully and successfully implemented; the persona – the future users for whom the innovation is relevant and valuable; and the goal of meeting the specific needs and requirements of this persona.

Preparation

• Define a topic or idea pool and prepare at least three rough ideas to serve as a foundation.
• Develop personas: define the target audience, their needs, and goals.
• Prepare materials such as Post-its, sketch paper, camera, and printer.

Execution

1. Participants are divided into groups of three to eight people.

2. Each team receives two to three ideas. One idea should be developed, while the others serve as backups. (Duration: 5 minutes)

3. Each team works on scenarios for the idea in a workshop. (Duration: 70 minutes per idea)

4. The first step is to develop the skeleton of a scenario. This involves identifying potential users, their goal, and the general context. (Duration: 25 minutes)

• The users' goals are broken down into actionable tasks. The tasks are written on Post-its and arranged in the correct order on a pinboard.
• Repeat this step so that the goal, persona, and scenario follow a logical sequence. This skeleton scenario should indicate whether the idea has potential and can be turned into a useful and practical product, service, or process. If not, a new idea will be selected.

5. If the skeleton is sound, appropriate visual representations for the persona and the context are created through sketches, online research, or photographs. These are pinned around the task. (Duration: 10 minutes)

6. Review the scenarios and assess them based on the following criteria:

• Does the goal, persona, and scenario still appear in a meaningful sequence?
• Is there an easier way to achieve the goal, e.g., by skipping steps or finding alternative solutions?
• Does the solution fit the persona and context?

7. The resulting scenarios are presented and discussed in the plenary. (Duration: 10 minutes)

Hints from experience

• It is recommended to use the solution-oriented visual content scenario method in the early visualisation phase to evaluate, shape, or refine ideas.

Tools list

• Sticky notes
• Paper and pencil
• Writing utensils, pen, pencil
• Head push pins
• Bulletin board
• Computer/Laptop
• Internet access
• Printer
• Photo camera

References

http://www.dubberly.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/ddo_article_cooper.pdf

http://scidok.sulb.uni-saarland.de/volltexte/2007/1094/pdf/4_goaldd.pdf