Human-Centered+Design

Human-Centered Design is abroad subject which is applicable in all areas of user based technology. Human-Centered Design is the philosophy of creating technology in a way which most efficiently facilitates the needs of its user while maintaining the greatest ease of use. It is important to note that in our global market Human-Centered Design must be taken into great consideration when introducing a technology. Often times Human-Centered Design can make or break an item on the global market.
 * Human-Centered Design ** -Bryan Dillon



Human-Centered Design is an extremely broad terminology. In basic terms it means making a technology more user friendly. This can range from the most basic of design elements to technology which is on the front lines of innovation. In order to maximize results in the area of Human-Centered Design, multiple stages of processing and problem solving are undergone. These steps include the analyzing of user action as well as foreseeing possible user needs as well as limitations. Once these assumptions are made actual human based interaction testing is required to validate claims made by developers. One of the main difficulties within the Human-Centered Design Process is anticipating the thought process and actions of a first time user. The Human-Centered Design philosophy differs greatly from other design philosophies in that it caters to the user's wants, needs, and general line of thinking rather than forcing a user to change instinctual habits.  Human-Centered Design has its place both in the design of actual object as well as operating systems, learning modules, social media websites, and countless other locations. In stating this we find that when creating a website Human-Centered design holds great importance. There are several generally accepted approaches to creating a website off based on the Human-Centered Design philosophy. The three main models are the Cooperative Design, the Participatory Design, and the Contextual Design. All three of these procedures overlap in ideals and formatting.

Below is a basic detailing of the steps in The Human-Centered Design Process

Human-Centered Design in Today's Global Market

In today's highly competitive market Human-Centered design gives many manufacturers an advantage over competing firms. One instance where this is blindingly apparent is the automotive __industry__. Since the __automobile__ is basically a human tool for transportation making it feel most like an extension of the human body adds appeal when selecting a new vehicle. When you sit in the driver seat of any given vehicle you will notice the layout of the controls as they relate to your comfortableness and location. The ease of use in this situation is a result of the amount of effort put into Human-Centered Design.

There are numerous other areas in the physical realm where Human-Centered Design has played a pivotal role. For instance we find the gaming __industry__. When creating a game console all aspects must make the user feel most in sync with the system. Since a user's main interactions are through there eyes and hands the gaming controller must be created using the Human-Centered Design Philosophy. When Microsoft first came out with the original X-Box gaming console they had not anticipated this resulting in poor comparative sales and difficult game play. Only after __investing__ time into Human-Centered Design in there second generation console were they able to become industry leaders.

Original Controller and New HCD Controller:

Human-Centered Design and the Future

Researchers at Arizona State University's School of Technology and Innovation are taking Human-Centered Design to new heights! One area of research which the college is working on is the further exploration of human factors in HCD. Members of the college are identifying ways to increase efficiency in already existing products as well as conducting research on how to give the correct and necessary information to workers with appropriate timing in order to aide them in making better and safer decisions. Other researchers in the college are investigating human perception and action. In this they are researching the and developing technology for the basic aspects of human visual-motor control. This gives emphasis on actions that are increasingly demanding like __driving__ and flying as well as sports. This could be used to improve training and coaching in sports as well as aiding in the design of flight simulators and even help in accident analysis and prevention. In order to advance engineering methodologies in the field of Human-Centered Design researchers are exploring individual and team cognition as well.

Further Reading  " [|The Design of Everyday Things] " By Donald A. Norman "Designing Pleasurable Products" By Patrick W. Jordan [|What is User-Centered Design? - Usability Professionals' Association] [|The Fable of the User-Centred Designer]