Research and Planning - Preliminary Task

This will be where I plan out my design ideas, content etc.  Here I am thinking about the key concept of target audience.

25/11/15
There are two outlining theories which explain the needs of audience and make them believe certain things about ideas, people and places that are being presented in the media. Both theories show that the audience is active and have choices in the media that they engage with.

The first of these theories is called 'Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs'. Maslow wanted to understand what motivates people; he believed that people possess a set of motivation systems unrelated to rewards or unconscious desire.

Maslow stated that people are motivated to achieve certain needs. When one need is fulfilled a person seeks to fulfil the next one, and so on. This theory states 5 stages; Physiological, Safety, Belongingness, Esteem, Self-Actualisation. 

Physiological is the lowest of these stages and it is the need to survive, and biological needs such as eating, drinking and sleeping. 

Safety means to have personal, financial safety, plus safety against accident and illness.

The third stage is love and belongingness which is the need for a sense of belonging, whether this be through friendship, affection and love from rather friends or family.

Esteem is  the need for status, recognition, prestige and fame, and maybe dominance over others.

The final and highest stage of the theory is self-actualisation which is the need to be the best the you can possibly be, and the realization of personal potential. It can also be seen as seeking personal growth and self-fulfilment.  

The second theory that I have considered is by Blumler and Katz, the 'Uses and Gratifications Theory.'  This theory suggests that media users play an active role in choosing and using media, much like Maslow's theory. The theory suggests that a media user seeks out the media source that best suits their needs.  Blumler and Katz came up with different basic needs which were; Diversion, Personal Relationships, Personal Identity and Surveillance.

• Diversion - the need to escape from problems and to relax.
• Personal Identity -  reinforcing your beliefs and defining developments of styles.
• Personal relationships - enable you to connect with family and friends and gain insight into the circumstances of others.
• Surveillance -  finding out about relevant events in society and being able to seek advice, satisfy curiosities and about self education.