Keeping users at the center of the design

What is user-centered design? It is a collection of techniques characterized by a focus on users, empirical measurement, and iterative design. Users’ tasks and goals are considered at each stage of design and development, and designers validate their assumptions in real world tests with actual users. Designs are iterated quickly to identify and resolve any design problems early on, when they are easiest and least costly to fix.

User-centered design makes good business sense; it can mean the difference between success and failure.

	Discover Interview business stakeholders Conduct user research Develop user personas Perform expert evaluation of existing systems Create prioritized user scenarios Define the product (using Agile methods if appropriate)
	Design Make pageflow diagrams of business logic Define information architecture and site map Create paper sketches and wireframes (line drawings) Build clickable prototypes Perform usability testing and refine designs Create basic graphic design elements
	Develop Document detailed UI and functional specifications Create HTML templates Create style guides Manage and support engineers to ensure correct implementation Provide direction on documentation to ensure accuracy and ease of use