Today I spent the day preparing for my visit to a focus group for the visually impaired. By preparing I mean making a list of all the recording equipment I need to bring with me, creating consent forms for participants, stocking up some sweets to take with me and most important of all, thinking about what I will do once I actually get there.

I've been wondering how to best use the time that I have there and how to get the most for my own research. I've been coming up with questions and answers that I would like to get answers for. Questions around navigation and how do they navigate and what are the things that make them feel comfortable and assured when navigating, as well as other topics.

I have come up with 3 topics for discussion:
  • navigation
  • technology
  • communication

And I have also prepared some questions to go along with the topics. I am hoping to divide the group up into smaller groups and get each group to brainstorm around one topic and then present back to everyone else. 

Not having led a focus group or any kind of group (apart from a student-led presentation myself and a fellow classmate did for the rest of the class) I am not sure what to expect from tomorrow, what plans the other coordinators might have for the group and how it will go in general.

I am hoping some of my preparation pays off and I can successfully create a fun, comfortable and safe environment where we can all learn from each other and have a good time.


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