Blending the repertory grid technique with focus groups to reveal rich design relevant insight
Trevor Hogan, Eva Hornecker · 2013
In the context of better understanding and describing the role of modality in data representations, this paper proposes the blending of the Repertory Grid Technique, a proven and tested elicitation method, with focus group methods, thereby offering researchers an efficient method of obtaining subjective perceptions on a defined area of interest. We demonstrate the potential of this blended approach by conducting two empirical studies that investigate the same artifacts, using two different approaches. The first study follows the classic Repertory Grid approach, while the second adapts this by utilizing the RepGrid in a focus group session. In comparing these, we will illustrate how using a blended approach can validate and reveal further meaning about the data collected. Furthermore, we will demonstrate that this can be achieved in a more natural manner than that of a typical RepGrid study, which can be extremely demanding for both the participant and the researcher while the study is being conducted.