Nesta’s DIY Toolkit provides an excellent activity and template for better understanding and defining those who you intend to reach with potential solutions.

According to the DIY toolkit, “Target Group is probably best used when you are trying to work out some initial ideas about who you want to cater to, and why … This tool is a quick and easy way to work out an overview and develop an understanding of the different people your work might reach, and the resources you need to do so.”

For further guidance, watch this video:

Download and print out the template (as large as possible) and work in a group to ensure that a range of perspectives can feed into the overall picture. As stated by Nesta, “given the strategic nature of the inputs/outputs, this needs consultations with seniors, peers and ideally needs to be revised after a first pass.”

When carrying out this exercise, be aware of any biases participants might have about the target group, and ensure that you also consider the impact on other groups that might be affected by the problem. For example, if you consider urban refugees to be your target group, you should also consider impacts on members of the host community.