An Overview of User-centered Design Approach and Usability Methods in Product Development

Abstract

Product development requires a multi-disciplinary team’s knowledge to accomplish the project. Its process normally involves the development and design of a new product in coherence with the plans for its market and production. Nowadays, to cope with users’ increasing demands, the core concept of product development should not only betechnology-driven. However, it should put more emphasis on user-centered approach, which is to place the user at the center of design considerations by focusing on different types of human factors including physical, cognitive, social, and cultural human factors. Collecting and analyzing information from the product’s intended users is undeniably necessary for this approach in order to identify user requirements, needs, and expectations. Therefore, the article presented discusses the overview of user-centered approach, which is to place the user at the center of design considerations by focusing on different types of human factors including physical, cognitive, social, and cultural human factors. Collecting and analyzing information from the product’s intended users is undeniably necessary for this approach in order to identify user requirements, needs, and expectations. Therefore, the article presented discusses the overview of user-centered approach including its philosophy and practice, as well as the aspect of usability which is currently the most recognized view of user-centered design approach.

Keywords : User-centered design, Product development, Usability methods