What is a Focus Group A focus group

What is a Focus Group? • A focus group is a small group that works on a specific goal or problem. • We have a “design team” of three facility managers and three Board members who have had three meetings with WSM architect, Kristen Di. Bone. The design team has decided that our basic plans are documented, and now is the time for members to give their input to improve the plans based on their “user” knowledge.

How will it work? Ø One focus group for each of ten activity areas Ø 3 -4 members per group Ø Each group will have a leader to arrange meeting times and gather the input determined important by their group Ø From now through March they will gather as much input as possible to give the plans more accuracy Ø Each group will have a “Coordinator’ from the design team to call upon with questions, meet on request etc. Ø About once a month, the leader from each group will join the design team coordinators to hand over their group’s suggestions (verbally or in writing. ) We are Very flexible. )

Then… • Over the summer, the design team will look at all the input given and edit the current consolidation plan documents so that whenever GVR and WSM are ready to proceed, we’ll be prepared. • Since there is no building/land/blueprint now, we know there will be many changes ahead, but we’ll have documented what we NEED. According to WSM, this adds up to about 13, 000 square feet.

Assumptions agreed upon, so groups will start from here… 1. When classes are not meeting, the classrooms will be open for general member use. v. Note that the exception will be the light equipment (table/chair) classrooms, which will need to be reserved as they will be multipurpose rooms for open workshops, meetings etc.

2. Knowing that these plans are in early planning stage with WSM architects, the focus groups have leeway to make suggested changes to the best of their knowledge. Your task is to make sure it has the best equipment, furniture, utilities, storage etc -- so that things “work. ”

3. Concentrate on Process Flow for users to be comfortable and economical of movement to perform the project tasks for that area. Ø Make sure they’ll have handy what they need. Ø Think about what other activity needs to be adjacent or close by. Read the plan’s other area descriptions for coordination. (see booklet)

Plan for now AND the future! 4. Assume that classroom space may be used for a variety of classes in the future. For example, paid instructors may be brought in to teach more advanced classes for GVR members with experience. Also, if we can include a few more students to our classes with additional space and equipment, we might be able to teach once a month, reduce wait lists, and save our teachers from burnout.

The next step… • Interested members unable to attend this orientation will be emailed this presentation. • After the general meeting this Wednesday, the design team will look at the members who signed up and form focus groups of 3 -4 people. • Next week we will have a meeting of all focus group members to give them their supplies. Within each group they will designate a leader. • They work together when and where they choose to gather some input to turn over to the design group in about 3 -4 weeks…. And again in a month…