what does a product with a user centered design do?
- fits the user [size, shape, aesthetics]
- popular with the user/ group
- competes successfully against other similar products
- encourage research and development
what are the 2 design approaches used for user centered design?
product development based on
-design, test and evaluate
Iterative design
-prototype, test, evaluate
what research methods are used to investigate the user group?
- market research
- focus groups
- human factors
- product analysis
- ergonomic and anthropometric data
how do interviews and focus groups help understand the user?
- discuss exact user requirements
- allow a range of views to be collected
how is market research good for developing a new product?
- pick the best features and combine them for the new product
- highlight areas of improvement on old products
- identify a gap in the market
what is anthropometric data and why is it used?
measurements taken from a large group of specific to the target market
-ensures the product is ergonomic
who can you design for when using anthropometric data?
- the average [door handle]
- the extreme [door frame]
- adjustability [office chair]
- adaptability [booster seat]
what do ergonomics do?
- products are easy and comfortable to use
- affects form, colour, texture and symbols
when does ergonomic testing occur and how is it carried out?
throughout the design process
-models are used so the user can give feedback
what does poor ergonomics lead to?
- uncomfortable or painful to use
- hard to open, close or insert
- hard to reach and operate
what is design development?
- throughout the design process
- research and models can change the products design
what does prototype planning do?
helps decide the materials needed for the model
how are prototypes made?
by hand
by CAD and CAM
how are prototypes evaluated and why?
- tested objectively against design spec by users
- help develop design solution further
