What is human-centered design and how does it differ from other design approaches?

Human-centered design is a design approach that puts the needs, desires, and perspectives of end users at the center of the design process. It is grounded in the belief that designs should be created with the intention of meeting the specific needs of the people who will use them. This approach differs from other design approaches, such as those that are driven by aesthetics or functionality alone, in that it seeks to create designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing or functional, but also meaningful and relevant to the people who will use them.

One key way in which human-centered design differs from other design approaches is in its focus on understanding and empathizing with end users. This involves gathering information about end users through methods such as user research and then using that information to inform the design process. By contrast, other design approaches may not place as much emphasis on understanding end users, and may instead focus more on aesthetics or functionality.

Another way in which human-centered design differs from other design approaches is in its iterative nature. Rather than trying to get the design right on the first try, human-centered design involves prototyping and testing designs with end users to gather feedback and make refinements. This allows designers to create designs that are more closely tailored to the needs and desires of end users, and that are more likely to be successful in the market.

Overall, human-centered design is a holistic and user-focused approach to design that seeks to create designs that are meaningful, relevant, and effective for end users. It differs from other design approaches in its emphasis on empathy, user understanding, and iterative design.