What is Human Centered Design?

So, to start…what is Human Centered Design? Some say it's just hype, while others say it has saved their company from certain downfall. In this article, we want to shine a light on the many facets of Human Centered Design.

4) Attention: When not to use Human Centered Design

Like every concept, Human Centered Design has its drawbacks, too. It’s not an aid on every development journey. Here are some moments when the pitfalls may predominate, and you should think twice before using Human Centered Design as an approach:

  • When it's complicated: You know the difference between complex and complicated. When you try to improve a system with too many, but still all definable, dependencies, then the speed of the Human Centered Design process can be a disadvantage.

  • When it's disruptive: When you are aiming for a new, groundbreaking solution, for which there is no or only a little market demand, then the process of interviewing potential clients can be misleading. Sometimes you have to ignore that market feedback.

  • When the culture isn't ready: For most companies, working in a Human Centered Design way is new, and quite different than they are used to. If you are facing resistance, you'll have to start differently, or in a different environment.

This last point brings us to our last perspective, Human Centered Design as a lever for culture change.

In conclusion

If you are new to the world of Human Centered Design and want to start implementing it, the most important advice we can give you is the following: start small. The possibilities are and feel endless and you will be surprised how small hacks can already have a big impact on the way you work and the results you produce.

And if you are looking for support on your journey, then we are here for you.

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