I’ve heard the term “human-centered design” used a lot recently. Here’s a quick definition, according to HBR:
Human-centered design is a problem-solving technique that puts real people at the center of the development process, enabling you to create products and services that resonate and are tailored to your audience’s needs.
The hype makes sense. The best products solve problems in a way that’s beyond the user’s expectations. Think about a product you love — it might not be the fanciest or the most expensive, but it is definitely a joy to use.
But when we think about our lives, we often overlook the “human” aspect. The self-improvement field stresses discipline and willpower, treating emotions as controllable factors. And since millions of people are about to start their New Year’s Resolutions in less than a month, I began to think about how this field affects everyday life.
Whether it’s building habits or setting goals, paying closer attention to the needs, wants, and limitations of yourself and others will make things easier.
Taken from human-centered design, here are two ideas I like to keep in mind:
Empathy and understanding: Whether I’m negotiating with others or self-rationalizing, focusing on understanding is the top priority. By adopting this approach, we can learn to be more empathetic and considerate of others, and to design solutions that are more effective and user-friendly.
Iterative design and testing: One of the core rules for design is to “fall in love with the problem, not the solution.” By the same token, starting with a broad goal and being flexible with its implementation is crucial to maintaining healthy lifestyles.
Overall, human-centered design can teach humans to be more empathetic, responsive, and user-focused in their design and problem-solving approaches. By adopting these principles, we can make it easier to help ourselves.
Until next time,
Ethan ✌🏻