Wow, Randy, that's a little harsh...
We recently did a focus group with members asking how we could improve
the member's experience at the museum. It never occurred to us before
the focus group to provide a special members sign in table for special
events so members wouldn't have to stand in line with general admission
guests. The group suggested it, we implemented it at the next special
event, and the entire membership loved it. And it was also noticed by
general admission visitors that members got a special express line to
enter... Cost to the museum? Nothing.
Like every evaluation measure, you have to know how to use the
information. As Randy points out, it's foolish to take what the group
says as gospel and implement it even if it goes against your best
instincts. All it is is another perspective; another piece of
information to put into the decision-making pot. But don't
underestimate their value. A focus group may help you learn more about
your public's perceptions of your institution and the quality of their
experiences when they visit than any other type of survey or observation.
Just my 2 cents.
Dan
Randy Little wrote:
> Focus groups? I would highly recommend agaist their use. they don't
> work in most cases. (see new coke as a world class example of that
> not working) There is even a really funny example of a focus group
> saying that the 1984 apple Mac Ad was horrible and bad. People
> generally don't know what they want until you give it to them. Even
> when it is explained to them they don't get it until they actually use
> it in the real world. On top of people in the groups feeling the
> power and wanted to make it there own. Best episode of family guy
> ever was a focus group with Seth Mcfarleen where people basically
> tell him the show will never work. (sorry advertising and marketing
> is half of my life.)
>
> On Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 10:59 AM, Diane Hutsell <[log in to unmask]
> <mailto:[log in to unmask]>> wrote:
>
> Does anyone on the list use focus groups, either kids, families,
> educators, as a part of their museum evaluation and if so, would
> you be willing to share what questions you ask? Thanks!
>
> Diane
>
> Diane Hutsell
> Executive Director
> McMinn County Living Heritage Museum
> PO Box 889
> Athens, TN 37303
> 423-745-0329
> www.livingheritagemuseum.com <http://www.livingheritagemuseum.com>
> [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]>
> =========================================================
> Important Subscriber Information:
>
> The Museum-L FAQ file is located at
> http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain
> detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one
> line e-mail message to [log in to unmask]
> <mailto:[log in to unmask]> . The body of the message
> should read "help" (without the quotes).
>
> If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail
> message to [log in to unmask]
> <mailto:[log in to unmask]> . The body of the message
> should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).
>
>
>
>
> --
> Randy S. Little
> http://reel.rslittle.com
> http://imdb.com/name/nm2325729/
> http://www.linkedin.com/in/rslittle
> ========================================================= Important
> Subscriber Information:
>
> The Museum-L FAQ file is located at
> http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed
> information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail
> message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message
> should read "help" (without the quotes).
>
> If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message
> to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read
> "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).
>
--
Dan Bartlett, BFA, MA
Curator of Exhibits
Midway Village & Museum Center
Rockford, IL
=========================================================
Important Subscriber Information:
The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes).
If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).
|