What is Human-centered Design? (A Brief Look)
There are many different takes on a human-centered design approach. Most of them have these basic elements.
Before launching a design thinking process, designers identify an issue or problem they want to explore. (Note: “Designers” will refer to the individuals leading the design thinking process.) Then, they move through the five (5) non-linear stages.
Empathize - In this stage, designers take the time to identify and understand the needs, concerns, lived experiences, attitudes, feelings, and beliefs of stakeholders impacted by a particular issue or challenge. With this information, designers can understand the problem deeply.
Define - Designers use what they learn in the empathy stage to articulate the problem. Defining the problem may also look like identifying a point of view or focus for the work.