Portraits are a useful tool to communicate complex data about a target group. The method is also a valuable when trying to breach the gap between project team and target group, by giving a personal representation of the group. The method is also referred to as a persona.
Use the method as a reference point, when focusing aimed effects, creating “How might we” questions and generating ideas.
Make the starting point clear: What exactly do you use the portraits for - and what discussion will they be used to illustrate?
Get knowledge about the users by collecting relevant qualitative data, perform interviews or anything else that can give you a good knowledge of the end users.
Describe, complete and print the portrait in the template. Use the knowledge that you and your team have found during the Collection of Information in the template.
Remember to clarify the questions of anonymity: You can consider using other names for the sake of anonymity.
Start by presenting the personas at the meeting/workshop so participants get to know the end users.
Consider asking the participants to reflect on the portraits. Do you recognize them? Is there anything that surprises you? What is most interesting about the portrait?
Now you can start generating ideas if that is your purpose. You can use your ”How might we” questions when discussing development tracks.