Key influences on the user-centred design process

Author(s)
Goodman-Deane, J., Langdon, P. and Clarkson, J.
Pages
28pp
Date published
01 Jan 2010
Publisher
Journal of Engineering Design
Type
Articles
Keywords
Innovation

To develop inclusive design materials that are well suited to design practice and thus more likely to be adopted, a better understanding of this practice is needed. A triangulated study was thus conducted, including observations of case studies, interviews with designers and a literature review. The study examined many aspects of design practice, focusing on the consideration of users and influences on method uptake. Four overarching themes were identified: clients’ influence, informality, variation, and time and cost constraints. Implications include the need to educate clients in the value of inclusive design; the need for informal, cheap, yet insightful inclusive design methods; and the value of providing a range of flexible materials for different design situations.