Target audience refers to the segment or segments of population that project stakeholders are most expecting to use a particular web/application interface. While some web interfaces are used by a wide range of target audiences, most applications are designed and used by a specific segments of the population.
For instance, the majority of Internet users regardless of their demographics use the Google search engine daily. However, in many circumstances, interfaces are developed to address only one or a specific number of target users. For example, Scottrade’s website interface and web application interface is developed for a specific target audience; adults with median level of education that are interested in investing, purchasing and selling stocks. Cartoon Network’s website however is designed for a completely different audience.
It is important for application stakeholders, especially the business owners to be able to identify their target audience, better understand their needs and expectations before talking to web developers, selecting a design or writing content for their website.
Remember that setting up a webpage is very easy, but do it right is very difficult and great place to start is by identifying exactly who it is that you are trying to serve.
Do you know who your target audience is?
Follow the principles of user-centered design?
Designing interfaces with the complete knowledge regarding our user audiences including their needs, skill levels, and predicting their interaction with the interface features will result in the development of high quality user interfaces and highly satisfied website visitors and customers. We refer to this as the principle of user-centered design.
Who will use this website? What do users want to accomplish? How long to do you expect them to stay on the site? How do you want them to get engaged? How to make the interface easy to understand? How to make the interface easy to use?
Being able to answer these questions is vital to the success of any website. Therefore it is important to spend an extensive amount of time researching to better understand your target audiences needs, and expectations prior to writing content, designing and implementing a website or a web system.
