Activity can be taught in the classroom or online
Google, Windows, & Mac-friendly!
All documents are editable to meet your classroom needs.
This activity is included in the Foundations Of Marketing Unit Plan
Dive into the world of customer behavior with this interactive and engaging role-play activity that teaches students the vital difference between customer needs and wants—an essential foundation of effective marketing.
In this hands-on simulation, students assume the roles of customers and marketers to conduct interviews, analyze behavior, and design personalized marketing solutions. Through collaboration, critical thinking, and real-world application, students will refine their understanding of how identifying customer needs drives more effective product development and marketing strategies.
What’s Included:
Editable Customer & Marketer Role Activity Slides
Structured Interview Prompts
Student Reflection Section
Printable/Editable Grading Rubric
Teacher Lesson Plan & Instructions
Project Breakdown:
Step 1: Setup and Scenario Building - Students are grouped and assigned customer or marketer roles, crafting custom consumer scenarios and identifying the specific needs and wants of their assigned customers.
Step 2: Interviews & Strategy - Marketers conduct in-depth interviews with customers to understand their behaviors fully, then create tailored marketing solutions that address both their needs and wants.
Step 3: Present and Reflect - Groups share their solutions with the class and reflect on the impact of understanding customer behavior in business.
Learning Objectives:
Differentiate between needs and wants in a business context.
Conduct customer interviews and interpret behavior.
Apply marketing principles to develop personalized solutions that meet individual needs.
Communicate and present findings clearly and professionally.
Reflect on how insights into customer behavior influence business decisions
Why Teachers Love It:
Real-World Relevance: Helps students understand a key marketing principle through practical application
Interactive & Collaborative: Encourages active participation and communication.
No-Prep Needed: Comes with everything needed to launch the lesson immediately
Flexible Delivery: Perfect for in-person, hybrid, or virtual learning
Use this activity to kick off a unit on marketing, consumer behavior, or product development—and watch your students think like real marketers!