What is a fictional person called that models the goals, needs, and characteristics of a user group?

A fictional person that models the goals, needs, and characteristics of a user group is referred to as a persona. Personas are essential tools in user experience design as they help designers and developers understand and empathize with the target audience. By creating detailed representations of different user types, which can include demographics, behaviors, motivations, and pain points, teams can make informed design decisions that cater to the specific needs of their users.

In contrast, scenarios depict specific contexts or situations in which a user might interact with a product or feature, often incorporating personas but not serving as fictional representations themselves. A user journey maps out the steps a user takes while interacting with a product, highlighting their experiences and emotions throughout that process. Profiles might provide information about users, but they do not encapsulate the depth of understanding and empathy that personas deliver when crafting user-centered designs. Thus, personas are pivotal in ensuring products meet real user needs effectively.