User-Centered Design : ?

According to a Abras, C. user-centered design (UCD) is a broad term to describe design processes in which end-users influence how a design takes shape. It is both a broad philosophy and variety of methods. There is a spectrum of ways in which users are involved in UCD but the important concept is that users are involved one way or another. In other words, it is an approach to design that grounds the process in information about the people (users) who will use the product later on. It processes focus on users through the planning, design and development of a product. Let’s think this way; how many of us have bought a, let say, a VCR that we have struggled to use and eventually missed recording our favorite programs because we misunderstood the instructions? I bet some of us had experienced this kind of situation. Do we have to put up with designs like these? Isn’t it possible to design systems that are more usable?

UCD consult users about their needs and involve them at specific times during the design process; typically during requirements gathering and usability testing. There are UCD methods in which users have a deep impact on the design by being involved as partners with designers throughout the design process.

In conclusion, UCD is a general term for a philosophy and methods, which focus on designing for and involving users in the design of computerized systems. The ways in which users participate can vary. The involvement may be relatively light. They may be consulted about their needs, observed and participate in usability testing. Besides, the involvement can be severe with users participating throughout the design process as partners in the design. Wrapping up, involving users in design one way or another has been shown to lead to developing more usable satisfying designs.