Why human centred design matters

Steve Jobs once asserted, “True innovation comes from recognising an unmet need and designing a creative way to fill it.” While he may not have been specifically referring to human centred design, you’d be forgiven for making the assumption. After all, the purpose of human centred design is to create innovative products, services and solutions through creative and collaborative practices.

Not surprisingly, there is increasing interest worldwide in this emerging methodology that puts people and their experiences and behaviours at the centre of the entire design process.

Alexis Baum, a consultant designer and educator who has been working in the human centred design space in Australia and the US for more than a decade, says the growing shift towards human centred design is due to its ability to provide a more engaging and successful outcome – and ultimately a better product.