A Primer on Using Focus Groups in Technical Communication  

In technical communication, focus groups are a relatively new method for analyzing audience needs and for evaluating technical documents. As an outgrowth of usability testing, focus groups have been used primarily as a means of revising texts. Their application to technical communication projects is much broader, however, as they can be used at any stage of a project and for a multitude of purposes. As technical communicators place more emphasis on satisfying their clients, we can expect focus groups to become increasingly popular. This primer explains what they are, when and why to use them, and how to plan them.

Abbott, Christine and Philip Eubanks. STC Proceedings (2002). Articles>Usability>Methods>Focus Groups