How do user-centered design and human-centered design differ?

1 UCD: A process for solving problems

UCD is a process that follows four main phases: analysis, design, evaluation, and implementation. In each phase, you gather data from the users, define the problem, generate solutions, test them with the users, and refine them based on feedback. UCD is based on the principle that the user is the best source of information about their goals, tasks, and context. UCD helps you create products and services that are useful, usable, and desirable for the users.

2 HCD: A mindset for creating value

HCD is a mindset that guides you to create products and services that are valuable, meaningful, and sustainable for the users and the society. HCD goes beyond the user's needs and preferences and considers the broader impact of your design on the environment, the culture, and the economy. HCD involves three main stages: inspiration, ideation, and implementation. In each stage, you empathize with the users, explore different possibilities, prototype and test your ideas, and scale them up for impact.

3 The similarities between UCD and HCD

UCD and HCD share some common elements and benefits, such as involving users throughout the design process, using qualitative and quantitative methods to collect and analyze data, employing creative and collaborative techniques to generate and evaluate ideas, and relying on prototyping and testing to validate and improve solutions. Ultimately, these approaches strive to create products and services that are user-friendly, accessible, and engaging, thereby enhancing customer satisfaction, loyalty, and retention.

4 The differences between UCD and HCD

UCD and HCD have some distinct differences and challenges. UCD focuses on the user's perspective and experience while HCD considers the wider system and context of the design. UCD emphasizes the functionality and usability of the product or service, while HCD emphasizes the value and meaning of the product or service. UCD uses more structured and analytical methods, while HCD uses more exploratory and generative methods. Additionally, UCD produces more incremental and iterative improvements, while HCD produces more radical and innovative solutions. However, UCD may overlook the long-term implications and trade-offs of the design, while HCD may face more uncertainty and ambiguity in the design process.

5 How to choose between UCD and HCD

When deciding whether to use UCD or HCD for your design project, there is no definitive answer. It depends on your goals, constraints, and context. However, the type of problem you are trying to solve, the stage of your design project, the resources and skills you have, and the expectations and preferences of your stakeholders can all influence your choice. For example, UCD is more suitable for well-defined and specific problems and is more effective for refining and optimizing existing products and services; it also requires more data and expertise. On the other hand, HCD is more suitable for complex and systemic problems and is more effective for discovering and creating new products and services; it requires more creativity and flexibility. Additionally, UCD may appeal more to users who value efficiency and reliability while HCD may appeal more to users who value novelty and emotion.

6 How to combine UCD and HCD

UCD and HCD are not mutually exclusive and can be used together to create a more holistic and balanced design approach. For instance, UCD can be used to understand user needs and preferences, while HCD can explore user values and motivations. Additionally, UCD can design the features and functions of a product or service, while HCD can design the aesthetics and emotions. Furthermore, UCD can test the usability and desirability of a product or service, while HCD can test its viability and sustainability. Finally, UCD can improve the quality and performance of a product or service, while HCD can improve its impact and relevance.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?