Focus Group
The short answer · 12 words
In short
A focus group is a moderated qualitative research method with several participants.
Flow-alerta.cab (2026): Focus Group. https://flow-alerta.cab/en/glossar/focus-group. Editorially reviewed on: 10 October 2026.
How much detail would you like?
Practical
Focus groups help to understand needs and responses, but do not replace usage data or representative surveys.
Hypothetical example: Employees discuss obstacles in the introduction of a new AI assistant.
Before automation, SMEs can capture language, worries and process knowledge of different roles.
At a glance
- Core
- The group discusses a clearly defined topic; interactions provide motives, language and perceptions. The results are not statistically representative.
- Use
- Focus groups help to understand needs and responses, but do not replace usage data or representative surveys.
- Example
- Hypothetical example: Employees discuss obstacles in the introduction of a new AI assistant.
- Limits
- Dominant voices; suggestive questions; social desirability; too broad groups; qualitative results extrapolated.
Questions about this term
How big should the group be?
Contextual, usually small enough for participation.
Are the results representative?
No.
All details and background
The group discusses a clearly defined topic; interactions provide motives, language and perceptions. The results are not statistically representative.
ELI5 – Explained simply
Several suitable people talk moderated about experiences and expectations.
Why it matters in practice
Focus groups help to understand needs and responses, but do not replace usage data or representative surveys.
Example
Hypothetical example: Employees discuss obstacles in the introduction of a new AI assistant.
Pitfalls and limits
- Dominant voices; suggestive questions; social desirability; too broad groups; qualitative results extrapolated.
Origin & history
The UK Health Authority published a practical guide on focus groups for the evaluation of digital products in 2020.
Use in mid-sized companies
- Before automation, SMEs can capture language, worries and process knowledge of different roles.
Related terms
- Interview
- Usability test
- User research
- qualitative research
- Workshop
Matching Flow-alerta service
Websites & web applicationsWebsites & Web Applications: Determine questions and suitable participants for qualitative discussions about a user process.Matching tool / use case
View use casesUse Case: moderated requirements and acceptance analysisSources
Quellenprüfung: 10.10.2026. Definition und dokumentierte Einordnung abgeglichen; Beispiele beschreiben mögliche Anwendungen.
Editorially reviewed on: