User-centered design is based on certain fundamental principles. While it is always an iterative development process, no explicit methods are specified for implementation. The approach can be integrated into a waterfall organization or an agile environment.
Irrespective of the specific implementation, four phases of the process can be defined based on ISO 9241-210:2019:
1. Context analysis
The first step is to analyze the context in which users will use the product. Who are the future users, and what are their specific applications for the product? Project teams can find answers by observing and surveying potential users.
2. Defining the requirements
The second step is to define the specific requirements for the new product. This step describes user requirements, taking corporate requirements into account.
3. Design
The actual design process doesn’t start until the requirements have been defined. In the first instance, designers will usually create a simple prototype, e.g. using paper, followed by digital wireframes, and finally produce a finished prototype.
4. Evaluation
After a prototype has been produced, the project team asks potential users for feedback. For digital applications, this is generally done via extensive user testing and qualitative surveys. Surveys and tests assess effectiveness (can users achieve what they want?), efficiency (how quickly can users achieve their objective?) and general satisfaction.
The project team returns to step 2 or 3 in the design process with the new information to optimize the product. These iterations continue until satisfactory user feedback is achieved, taking into account the corporate frameworks (time and costs).