User Centred Design
User centred design is an approach towards interface development that places the user’s needs and abilities at the centre of the design process. It is about creating an appropriate design for the user, the task and the environment in which they are performing the task. It can involve a variety of techniques, such as questionnaires, focus groups and observation, task and content analysis, prototyping and usability testing.
User centred design draws on research from several disciplines. These include psychology, biology, physiology, human factors/ ergonomics, human computer interaction, graphical and information design.
User centred design produces a solution that is appropriate to the target audience rather than relying on the user to adapt to the system. Usability is the quality provided by user centred design. Usability includes both performance and subjective aspects. A site with good usability will be easy to understand, will allow users to perform tasks quickly and effectively and be relatively error free. Usability is not about a list of rule. It is about appropriate design, for the users, the task and the environment in which the task will be performed.
