Putting Humanity in Human-Centered Designs and Technology




Human-centered technology has us, the end-users, in mind. It responds to our needs, desires, and wishes. It also helps create a more inclusive world. Being equitable means knowing everyone has the same goal but may not require the same paths to get there. In the Youtube Video "What Is Human-Centered Design?" it defines HUD as "a creative approach to problem-solving... When you understand the people you are trying to reach and then design from their perspective, not only will you arrive at unexpected answers, but you'll come up with ideas that they'll embrace."

We shouldn’t assume that everyone utilizes information, technology, and equipment the same way. A child’s toothbrush is an example of a tool with everyday use. Although a child may be able to use an adult toothbrush, it would be much less effective. Bigger doesn’t necessarily mean better if it does not fit in the child’s mouth. Now, let’s take it to the next level. I practice independence with my children. For my youngest daughter, her toothbrush lights up for 2 minutes. She understands that while the light is flashing, she must continue. When it’s finished, she’s done. I still go over once more just in case, but the light helps her with timing and patience. For my older daughter, she has a kid’s Sonicare and uses an app on the phone. It shows her where to brush, how she should be brushing, and for how long.

Wolske quotes “It’s a process that starts with the people you’re designing for and ends with new solutions that are tailor-made to suit their needs. Human-centered design (HCD) is all about building a deep empathy with the people you’re designing for; generating tons of ideas; building a bunch of prototypes; sharing what you’ve made with the people you’re designing for, and eventually putting your innovative new solution out in the world.” How can we teach children healthy habits if we expect them to utilize tools meant for adults?


Citations:

Wolske, M. (2020). Person-centered guide to demystifying technology: Working together to observe/ question/ design/ prototype/ and implement/reject technology in support of people's valued beings and doings. Windsor & Downs Press.

Design Kit, "What is Human-Centered Design?", accessed July 17, 2020. https://www.designkit.org/human-centered-design.

IDEO.ORG. (2015, November 12). What is Human-Centered Design? YouTube. Retrieved December 05, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=musmgKEPY2o&t=115s

Comments

  1. NebiyatDecember 5, 2022 at 9:01 PM

    Hi Christine. I agree that focus on design should be more on the users. W need to ensure that we are considering the needs of everyone that may potentially use our products to allow for equal access to as many people as possible.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Geovani EscobarDecember 6, 2022 at 5:13 PM

    The concept of human center design is Good as long as you mentioned above the creators are putting themselves in the consumer's shoes in order to really understand the needs. Sometimes I think it falls a little short of that but so far some of the designs created have helped people all over the world.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment