Lesson 2: Stakeholder Identification & Needs Analysis

NCEA Level 1 Digital Technologies. Students map primary, secondary, and environmental stakeholders, extract technical requirements, and write Portfolio Section 2.

Lesson at a Glance | He Tirohanga Whakamua

Do NowWho is the forgotten stakeholder in tech design?10 min
3 Stakeholder TiersPrimary End User, Secondary Maintainer, Environment15 min
Needs ExtractionDraft 5-question stakeholder interview guide15 min
Portfolio EntryWrite Section 2: Stakeholder Profile & Requirements10 min
Exit VerificationCheck stakeholder requirements matrix5 min

Ngā Whāinga Ako | Learning Intentions

Students will know

  • That Level 1 Digital Technology requires stakeholder involvement throughout development for Merit and Excellence grades.
  • The difference between Primary Users (active daily operators), Secondary Stakeholders (maintenance & facilities staff), and Environmental Stakeholders (taiao & future generations).
  • How to translate subjective user comments into objective, testable technical requirements.

Students will demonstrate

  • By creating 3 stakeholder personas representing primary, secondary, and environmental voices.
  • By completing Portfolio Section 2: Stakeholder Profile & Technical Requirements.

Do Now | Tīmatanga Whakaaro (10 min)

Stakeholder Analysis Prompt:

"When a company designs a solar-powered school device charger, they ask the students what colour they want. Who did they forget to ask?"

Unpack: They forgot the school caretaker (who cleans around it), the IT technician (who replaces broken ports), the grounds committee (who mows near it), and the environment (where the battery ends up in 5 years). A design that satisfies only the end-user will fail in production.

Mapping the 3 Stakeholder Tiers (15 min)

1. Primary End-User

Uses the product daily. Needs: intuitive controls, durability, clear feedback, ergonomics, accessibility.

2. Secondary Maintenance / Operator

Installs, cleans, repairs, or manages the device. Needs: standard tools for repair, durable casing, weatherproofing, easy disassembly.

3. Environmental / Kaitiaki Voice

Represents the local ecosystem, moana, awa, and future generations. Needs: zero toxic leakage, low embodied carbon, 100% material recovery.

Translating Comments into Technical Specifications (15 min)

In NCEA Technology, vague user requests must be translated into measurable technical requirements:

❌ Vague User Comment:

"It needs to survive outside at school."

✅ Measurable Requirement:

"IP65 weather-sealed casing, UV-stabilized recycled polymer, operable between -5°C and 40°C."

📁 Conceptual Design Portfolio — Section 2: Stakeholder Profile & Requirements

Students open their Level 1 Digital Technology Portfolio and complete Section 2:

Section 2 Requirements:

1. Primary User Profile: [Demographics, physical needs, usage environment]

2. Secondary Stakeholder Profile: [Maintainer/Caretaker/Technician needs]

3. Kaitiaki Environmental Voice: [Local ecosystem impact considerations]

4. Technical Requirements Table: List 6 measurable physical & functional requirements based on stakeholder needs.

Exit Verification | Ka Mutu Hoki (5 min)

Exit Ticket:

"My key secondary stakeholder is [Role] who requires [Measurable technical specification]."

Teacher Planning & NCEA Alignment

NCEA Level 1 Digital Technologies Alignment (6 Credits):

  • Stakeholder Engagement: Identify stakeholders and establish fitness-for-purpose requirements grounded in authentic user and environmental needs.
  • Brief Development: Express requirements as measurable physical and functional specifications.

Vocabulary: Primary user, secondary stakeholder, environmental kaitiaki, requirements matrix, IP rating, functional specifications.

Other teaching approach: Guided Viewing & Design Studio →