Human-centered design is a structured way of identifying and prioritizing the needs and experiences of the target users. In design and consulting this means a focus on understanding the underlying needs, preferences, and behaviors. We then use those to create solutions that are beautiful, satisfying, and most importantly effective.

The process generally includes empathizing to understand the target’s needs, preferences, and behaviors through research and observation. From there you analyze the data gathered during the empathy phase and use it to create clear and specific problem statements. Once you have identified the problem you would begin to ideate or brainstorm for solutions. Eventually creating low-fidelity prototypes to test and refine your ideas. Finally, you would move into user testing to ensure the solution will meet expectations and truly solve the problem.

Designers use various tools to achieve their goals. For example, card sorting is a technique used in the define phase to help designers understand how users group and categorize information. Other tools that designers might use include user surveys, interviews, journey maps, and personas. The results allow us to gain a better understanding of their target audience, create more effective designs, and test their solutions before they are implemented.

When leveraged in business, human-centered design can lead to increased customer satisfaction, loyalty, and ultimately, revenue.

Some example usages of human-centered design in graphic design and consulting include:

• Conducting user research to understand the target audience’s needs, preferences, and behaviors
• Creating personas or customer profiles to better understand the target audience
• Prototyping and testing to gather feedback and improve the design
• Usability testing to ensure that the final design solves the right problems
• Designing for everyone, including those with disabilities

By partnering with a design agency that uses Human Centered Design, businesses can expect to:

• Gain a deeper understanding of their target audience’s needs and preferences
• Create designs that are more effective and user-friendly
• Reduce the risk of creating products or services that don’t meet the target audience’s needs
• Create a competitive advantage by providing a personalized and satisfying experience for their customers

Overall, working with a design agency that offers human-centered design can be a worthwhile investment to stand out in a crowded market. Contact us today to find out more.