The design of everyday objects is not always intuitive and at times it leaves the user
frustrated and unable to complete a simple task. How many of us have bought a VCR that we
have struggled to used and missed recording our favorite programs because we misunderstood
the instructions or had to put up with the clock blinking 12:00 because we didn’t know how to
stop it? Do we have to put up with designs like these? Isn’t it possible to design systems that are
more usable? ‘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. For example, some types of UCD consult
users about their needs and involve them at specific times during the design process; typically
during requirements gathering and usability testing. At the opposite end of the spectrum 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.
The term ‘user-centered design’ originated in