Multidisciplinary UCD Teams
The Role of Multidisciplinary Teams in UCD
Multidisciplinary Team
A multidisciplinary team is made up of members from different fields, each contributing their expert knowledge to improve the design process.
Each discipline offers unique insights into the user, task, and environment, leading to more effective and inclusive solutions.
Contributions of Different Disciplines
| Discipline | Focus | Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Designers | Aesthetics, usability, and user experience. | Create intuitive interfaces and interactions. Ensure the product aligns with user needs and preferences. |
| Engineers | Technical feasibility and functionality. | Develop prototypes and test technical solutions. Ensure the product is reliable and efficient. |
| Psychologists | Human behavior and cognitive processes. | Conduct user research to understand motivations and pain points. Design interfaces that align with human cognitive patterns. |
| Anthropologists | Cultural and social contexts. | Study how users interact with products in their natural environments. Ensure designs are culturally relevant and inclusive. |
| Business Analysts | Market trends and business goals. | Align design solutions with business objectives. Identify opportunities for innovation and growth. |
| Ergonomists | Physical interaction and comfort. | Ensure products are safe and comfortable to use. Optimise designs for different user demographics. |
Benefits of Multidisciplinary UCD Teams
- Prevents bias or tunnel vision by incorporating multiple perspectives.
- Promotes realistic, inclusive, and usable designs.
- Allows a more complete view of the user experience across real-world environments.
- Multidisciplinary teams identify potential issues early in the design process, reducing the risk of design failures.
It is important to note that there can be challenges within multidisciplinary teams:
- Communication Barriers: Different disciplines may use specialised language.
- Conflicting Priorities: goals may conflict with user needs or technical constraints.
IDEO worked with Oral-B to redesign a toothbrush specifically for children.
Disciplines Involved:
- Industrial designers focused on grip size and playful form.
- Child psychologists helped understand children's motor skills and behaviour.
- Ergonomists ensured the brush was easy and comfortable for small hands.
- Marketers advised on appealing colours and packaging for kids and parents.
Result:
The final design was chunkier (easier to grip), more colourful, and included fun visual elements, leading to increased independence and motivation for kids to brush.
Outline one reason why multidisciplinary teams would have been important in developing the Apple Watch. [2]
Solution
Award [1] for identifying why multidisciplinary teams were important and [1] for a brief explanation.
- Identification [1]
e.g. “The Apple Watch combines hardware engineering, software development, and health monitoring.” - Explanation [1]
e.g. “Engineers, UX designers, and medical specialists must collaborate to ensure accurate sensor readings within a user-friendly interface.”
Reflect on a design project you have worked on.
- How could a multidisciplinary team have improved the outcome?
- What insights might different disciplines have contributed?
