What defines User Centered Design?

User Centered Design (UCD) is fundamentally about centering the design process around the needs, preferences, and limitations of end users. This approach ensures that the products created are not only functional but also intuitive and satisfying for the people who will use them.

By emphasizing users' needs and experiences, UCD involves understanding and incorporating user feedback throughout the design and development phases. This iterative process often includes various research techniques, usability testing, and a deep engagement with the target audience to refine the product and enhance usability.

In contrast, emphasizing technology without considering user needs, minimizing user feedback, or prioritizing cost above user experience would likely lead to designs that are not aligned with what users actually want or need, potentially resulting in poor user satisfaction and engagement. Hence, focusing on the well-being and experience of users is the essence of User Centered Design, making it a key element in creating effective and user-friendly products and services.