In February of 2023, our internship team participated in our first ever paraprofessional Focus Group. It was an exciting time for us as we were able to learn about our strengths and limitations and how to better our game for our members.
Focus Group Goals
The paraprofessional Focus Group was designed to investigate current and optimal customer journey (engagement, implementation and maintenance) of the online music-based program Sing and Speak 4 Kids from a paraprofessional perspective. We outlined what they enjoyed about the program in an online format, as well as express any challenges or barriers with utilizing the game in different settings and scenarios.
Focus Group Process and Questions
The paraprofessional team met up in-person to create scenarios in which the game could be utilized. Some different scenarios included sibling interaction, using SS4Kids through zoom, group interactions, and one-on-one parent-child interaction. The paraprofessional team came up with a set of questions that focused on these scenarios. The four sets of questions that the focus group aimed to answer consisted of:
- Identify experience, feelings and motivations in using SS4Kids
- What were any barriers (time, program functions, internet, etc.) or program features that facilitated engagement, implementation and maintenance (pros-cons)? What new features or approaches could help them to restart and stay engaged (pop-ups, tips, new songs, support, influencers, etc.)?
- What changes in the program would have resulted in you using it longer? What other online programs have you used for your child’s speech development?
- What behavior changes do you observe in your child after playing SS4Kids?
Coordinators of Focus Group
SS4Kids / iQsonics team members and advisors
- David Sonnenschein, CEO
- Annie Goeke, Chief Strategy Officer
- Katelyn Miller, Marketing & Outreach Director
- Shelley Cox , Advisor
Team of interns from University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill)
- Esil Empig – Lead Coordinator
- Anthony Cerniglia – Lead Coordinator
- Carrina Macaluso
- Andrea Chavez
- Danielle Linboom
- Jianing Yang
Brief Summary of our Findings
Member Discoveries:
- The game was simple and easy to navigate for families.
- Tablet usage is convenient due to its portability and ease of use.
- It could be easy for children to integrate the fun and simple song melodies into their everyday life.
- In person interactions through basic gestures can help conceptualize the game for children.
- Since many kids model after their siblings, sibling involvement could be a stronger motivator for Kids to become more involved and engaged.
- Internet connection could be a barrier if SS4Kids is used virtually or through zoom meetings with professionals/parents. (delays in voice overs and songs when screening sharing through zoom, with average internet speed.)
- Around 10 minutes a day for gameplay usage is a very manageable length of time that could be fit into a daily routine. (Although this does vary)
Room for Improvement:
- Some of the pictures for target words should be more clear or consistent.
- Parent or professional users should be able to click on specific parts of a song or game that needs to be replayed.
- More songs and continuous game updates could increase user motivation and participation.
- Holiday songs or songs catered to specific events (Birthdays, Christmas, etc).
- The integration of gifs and more movement and dynamic movement would help with engagement and word reinforcement. (Open to possibilities on music video animations)
- Implementation of pop up notifications for in-activity. Game usage streaks can allow families and kids to continue playing, especially if there is further incentive through rewards.
End Result
From the brief summary we provided along with the more detailed data we have collected from this Focus Group, we have already come up with various ways to improve and market our game, and make the impact we have been hoping to make with Sing and Speak 4 Kids. We have taken initiative to move forward with these comments and suggestions to make Sing and Speak 4 Kids the best speech delay development tool for parents, caregivers, clinicians, teachers, and all in need.
We would be honored for you to share our program with others.
For further information:
Please contact SS4Kids Marketing & Outreach Director, Katelyn Miller at katelynm@iqsonics.com.