Description:

Personas are archetypes for users of the site or product. They are not market share. Market share is a bland demographic of blended information - possibly good for Hallmark, not so useful for any sort of niche market -and with the internet, most markets are niche markets. By using archetypes, you can come to understand specific needs that your users have, beyond the generic minimum requirements. (The characters in the previous museum web site evaluation were archetypes)

As your assignment this week, you will create two personas. This should be fun. Your personas should be quirky and have character. Real people do.

Assignment:

• Create two personas using the Personas worksheet** (You do not have to use all of the characteristics.)
• Each one should each be unique and distinct.
• Each persona should represent a significant user of your chosen web site. One should be a major user; one would bea minor user.
• Watch the USA Today demographics presentation and look at some of the Claritas demographics by segment or zip code. This explain common groups or demographics that are present in America today.

Minimum persona characteristics:

1. a name and picture
2. demographics (age, education, ethnicity, family status)
3. job title and major responsibilities
4. goals and tasks in relation to your site
5. environment (physical, social, technological)
6. a quote that sums up what matters most to the persona with relevance for your site

Adding a scenario is optional, but recommended

Example: brief ad hoc personas by Serena Fenton
See the resources page for more example personas

**Personas worksheet is a condensed version of Persona Creation and Usage Toolkit by George Olsen