Intended Target

Module 1 * Part 2

After you have stated the problem clearly, you can proceed to state the different stakeholders you are trying to help.

In a typical problem, there is usually one or two groups of people whom the solution is trying to target.

Example: The proposed solution would benefit people who work and live on the university campus who would have the need to order food. These include: students and staff members.

Stating the intended target in your plan is significant because you need to know exactly what would be required of the solution. Different targeted members will require slightly different resources, even if the overall problem is the same.

Example:
  • Students: students will be looking for budget meals; students may also do bulk order for a gathering (4 or 5 meals rather than 1 meal)
  • Staff members: staff members will be able to afford more expensive meals and services. They are also more likely to order only 1 meal.

    You can evaluate the specific needs of the targets, which can help you refine your plan.

    Example:

    • Students: they can use the delivery service to save time for studying or for student activities. As students may move about the campus, delivery service needs to be more flexible
    • Staff members: they tend to stay in their offices for their meals, so delivery does not need to be as flexible.

      By identifying the intended target, you can think deeper about the victim's specific needs. In fact, you should create a profile of the intended target(s) to help you grasp fully how they can be helped by your solution.

      You can create a target profile that includes the following information:

    • Demographic: e.g. how old they are, their gender, class, ethnicity, etc
    • Characteristics: what makes them distinct in the context of this problem
    • Needs: what they need to have out of the solution
    • Wants: what they would like to have out of the solution
    • Resources: what is available to them that can be used by the solution
    • Their possible contributions: what they might be willing to contribute to make the solution work better