User-centered design is human design
User-centered design is human design
User-centered design is the practice of designing systems that focus on human experiences. But too often, we forget the challenges of human needs.
Product design for human needs
By human needs, I mean those day-to-day things that a lot of people deal with that many of us often forget to think about. But as designers and creators, it's crucial to take a step back and consider how those people with various needs and challenges will use what we create. One group that is often overlooked in the design process is individuals with disabilities.
According to the World Health Organization, around 15% of the global population lives with some form of disability. This includes physical, sensory, and cognitive impairments that can impact their ability to use products and services. By ignoring the needs of this group, we risk excluding a significant portion of the population and potentially alienating a valuable customer base.
In 2020, over 2,500 lawsuits were filed in the United States, claiming that digital products were not accessible to people with disabilities. High-profile examples of companies that have faced legal action for failing to design for accessibility include Netflix, Domino's Pizza, Harvard University, and MIT.
In 2020, over 2,500 lawsuits were filed in the United States, claiming that digital products were not accessible to people with disabilities.
But it's not just individuals with disabilities who have unique needs. Age is another factor to consider. As the population ages, it's important to remember that 25% of internet users are 45 years or older. This can impact their ability to read small text or navigate through a cluttered interface.
Similarly, vision impairments are also a common challenge that can impact a person's ability to use digital products. According to the World Health Organization, 217 million people worldwide have moderate to severe vision impairments. This can range from nearsightedness to complete blindness, and it's essential to design products accessible to users with various levels of visual disabilities.
Situation matters
Consider situational disabilities as well. Moments when we get distracted, are multi-tasking, or have difficulty with fine motor skills can affect anyone at any time and can make using digital products challenging.
In these moments, it is easy to make mistakes, such as tapping on the wrong button or losing track of what we are doing. This can lead to frustration and a desire to give up on using the product.
When we consider all of those factors that impact our ability to use an app or a website successfully, it becomes clear that it's not enough to make our designs usable; they also need to be accessible.
This is where companies who digitise their existing services often mistakenly believe they are digitally transforming.
Rather, it is just the tip of the iceberg. Focusing solely on this aspect often leads to an inability to sustain a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
At Alumni, we have identified five critical dimensions that serve as building blocks for companies to embrace the potential of ‘Digital Transformation’ and drive impactful change.
The benefits of inclusive design for businesses
Inclusive design is more than just the right thing to do - it's good for business. Because it's not just about avoiding problems - it's about creating products that truly meet the needs of all users and provide a seamless, enjoyable experience. And when it comes to accessibility, some companies truly stand out.
Apple, Microsoft, Google, and Airbnb are just a few examples of companies that have made accessibility a priority in their design process and, as a result, have created products that are accessible and usable by a wide range of users.
Take Apple's latest ad campaign as an example. Their commitment to inclusive design sets them apart from many other companies and establishes them as a leader in the industry.
It also helps to ensure that they are remembered and respected by consumers. By showing a dedication to creating products that are accessible and usable by a wide range of people, Apple is demonstrating a genuine concern for the needs and well-being of its users. This not only helps to build trust and loyalty among consumers but also helps to establish the company's reputation as a socially responsible and compassionate business.
It's the right thing to do. And it's good for business.
It's important to remember that more than usability is needed for a user-centered design. We must consider accessibility to create products that truly meet the needs of all users and provide a seamless, enjoyable experience.
Taking the time to understand the challenges and needs of real people can have tremendous value for businesses. By creating products that are accessible to all, businesses can tap into a valuable customer base and avoid the financial and legal consequences of failing to do so.
These POCs allow organizations to experiment, learn, and adjust their course based on tangible results.
Once the tech roadmap is chartered, best practices in Delivery such as program initiation, scenario planning, benefit tracking with feedback loops, dependency management, cone of uncertainty, will ensure that IT projects are delivered on time, cost, and quality.
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