Benefits of Using Human Centred Design Methods in Industrial Design

Tom Page*, Gisli Thorsteinsson**
* Senior Lecturer, Loughborough Design School, United Kingdom.
** Professor, Department of Design and Craft Education, Iceland University of Education, Iceland.
Periodicity:August - October'2017
DOI : https://doi.org/10.26634/jfet.13.1.13757

Abstract

The aim of this paper recognised both the tangible and intangible benefits of using Human Centred Design methods (HCD) in industrial design. Implications of using and not using them were studied as well as how and why they were employed in industry. Surveys were directed towards current design professionals in global company Mondelez International Ltd. Interviews were conducted with Industrial Design final year undergraduates who had experience working in the Industrial Design industry. Results showed the main benefit for using HCD is to aid the decision-making process. Other key benefits were identified: HCD helps keep in touch with users; it prevents people designing based on preconceptions; and it reduces the need to make costly amendments to designs in the latter stages of projects. A key implication of using HCD, preventing most participants from fully integrating it within the design process, was also identified as using up valuable time and resources. The study determined that there are numerous advantages to performing HCD in the design industry. It is considered that an intelligent use of them can prevent the majority negative implications outlined, benefiting the design process through an increased understanding of the user.

Keywords

Human Centred Design, Industrial Design, Design Methods

How to Cite this Article?

Page, T., and Thorsteinsson, G. (2017). Benefits of Using Human Centred Design Methods in Industrial Design. i-manager’s Journal on Future Engineering and Technology, 13(1), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.26634/jfet.13.1.13757

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