Definition
User-Centred Design (UCD)
User-Centred Design (UCD) is an approach that focuses on understanding the needs, wants, and limitations of the end-user at every stage of the design process, ensuring the final product is functional, accessible, and meaningful.
Understanding User Needs, Wants, and Limitations
- Needs: Essential requirements for functionality and usability.
- Example: A wheelchair must be lightweight and easy to manoeuvre.
- Wants: Desirable features that enhance user experience.
- Example: Customisable colours for a smartphone case.
- Limitations: Constraints users face, such as physical, cognitive, or environmental factors.
- Example: A user with reduced grip strength due to arthritis.
Considering the Environment
- Think about the context in which a product will be used.
- Physical space, lighting, noise, weather, and cultural norms.
- Understanding the user, their task, and their environment ensures the product performs well in real-world situations.
A touchscreen kiosk at a train station must be legible in sunlight, operable with gloves, and resistant to vandalism.
The Role of Empathy in UCD
Definition
Empathy
Empathy means seeing through the user’s eyes, understanding their frustrations, preferences, and behaviours.
In UCD, empathy helps designers:
- Identify Pain Points: Recognise challenges users face.
- Anticipate Needs: Predict what users might require in different contexts.
- Create Meaningful Solutions: Design products that resonate with users emotionally and functionally.
- When developing empathy, consider the user's entire journey, from initial interaction to long-term use.
- This holistic approach ensures a more comprehensive understanding of their needs.
- Think of empathy in design as walking in the user's shoes.
- By experiencing their journey, you can identify gaps and opportunities for improvement.
Case Study: OXO Good Grips
- Background: OXO designed kitchen tools for users with arthritis.
- Empathy in Action: Designers observed users struggling with traditional tools.
- Outcome: Its large, cushioned handle makes peeling easy for users with limited hand strength, while also appealing to a broader audience.
