What is it? User-centered design places the intended user at the center of the design/development process. The practice includes them as frequently as possible within an iterative design process. It begins with discovering their needs and returning to them for feedback as the design deliverables increase in fidelity, and integrating that feedback into each new “iteration” of the design. 

It is often used as an umbrella term and encompasses other specific testing, design and validation methods.

When is it best used? User-centered design is best used when you have access to the people you are designing for, the team is committed to incorporating user feedback and understands it may take many iterations, and your goal is to create a meaningful and relevant experience. 

It is intended to minimize the risk of getting the design wrong and increase the likelihood of success.

What does it entail? A commitment to gathering feedback from intended users at multiple points in the product development process. Feedback is incorporated continuously and iteratively throughout the design of the product, service, website, etc., in line with the business objectives. Feedback may be collected on needs, desirability, feasibility, feature set, flow, usability, product-market fit and more.

Interchangeable term:  Human centered design (HCD)

Use in a Sentence: Our user-centered design approach ensured success with our target audience after launch.

Related Terms: User-driven development (UDD),

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