Forget persona one-sheets

If you’re creating for a specific audience, a persona one-sheet isn’t enough.

It never was.

Understand their problems. Goals. Fears. Wants. Secrets. Listen what they listen to, read what they read, watch what they watch. Try to think how they think. See the world through their eyes. Like a “method actor” who tries to become the character they represent on-screen, off-screen, for maximum appreciation of their responsibility.

If you think it sounds extreme, it’s likely just because you haven’t tried it, and seen what results it produces.

For instance, my “StrategyComics” product immerses company stakeholders in a story specifically to make the insights as easy to understand and remember as possible. It’s the same sort of thing: immerse yourself in the world of those you wish to serve, so you can operate from a place that resonates with them.

It’s not extreme… it’s our responsibility, if we’re to put ourselves in a position to make experiences designed to help them.