Human-Centred Design vs. User-Centred Design: Understanding the Key Differences

Human-centred design (HCD) and user-centred design (UCD) are two approaches that are often used to create products, services, and experiences that are both functional and desirable for users. While these approaches have many similarities, there are also some key differences that are important to understand.

Human-centred design is a holistic approach that involves understanding the needs and desires of the user, as well as the larger context in which the product or service will be used. It takes into account the social, cultural, and psychological factors that influence the user’s experience. This approach is often used to create innovative solutions to complex problems.

User-centred design, on the other hand, is a more focused approach that is primarily concerned with the user’s needs and preferences. It involves designing products and services that are easy to use and meet the specific needs of the user. This approach is often used to improve the usability and functionality of existing products and services.

Application Examples of Human-Centred Design & User-Centred Design

Here are two examples of modern businesses that demonstrate the differences between human-centred design and user-centred design:

Example 1: A healthcare company is looking to improve the experience of patients in the hospital. They decide to use a human-centred design approach, which involves understanding the social, emotional, and physical needs of patients and their families. They conduct research, observe user behaviour, and gather feedback to inform the design of a new patient room layout that is more comfortable, welcoming, and private.

Example 2: A financial services company is looking to improve the usability of its mobile banking app. They decide to use a user-centred design approach, which involves designing the app to be as easy and intuitive as possible for users. They conduct usability testing, gather feedback from users, and make iterative improvements to the app to make it more user-friendly.

As these examples demonstrate, human-centred design and user-centred design are both powerful approaches that can be used to create products, services, and systems that are both useful and sustainable for users. However, they focus on different aspects of the user experience and employ different methodology to fix their problems.

–

If you’re a business looking to leverage the power of design thinking to create innovative solutions, or improve the user experience, don’t hesitate to reach out to the team at Spindle Design for support. Our team of experienced design thinkers is here to help you unlock the full potential of this powerful approach. Simply email hello@spindledesign.co to get started!