HUMAN-CENTERED PRODUCT PLANNING AND DESIGN:DESIGN ISSUES

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DESIGN ISSUES

This chapter presents an overall framework and systematic methodology for pursuing the above three objectives of human-centered design. There are four design issues of particular concern within this framework.

The first concern is formulating the right problem—making sure that system objectives and re- quirements are right. All too often, these issues are dealt with much too quickly. There is a natural tendency to ‘‘get on with it,’’ which can have enormous negative consequences when requirements are later found to be inadequate or inappropriate.

The second issue is designing an appropriate solution. All well-engineered solutions are not necessarily appropriate. Considering the three objectives of human-centered design, as well as the broader context within which systems typically operate, it is apparent that the excellence of the technical attributes of a design are necessary but not sufficient to ensure that the system design is appropriate and successful.

Given the right problem and an appropriate solution, the next concern is developing it to perform well. Performance attributes should include operability, maintainability, and supportability—that is, using it, fixing it, and supplying it. Supportability includes spare parts, fuel, and, most importantly, trained personnel.

The fourth design concern is ensuring human satisfaction. Success depends on people using the system and achieving the benefits for which it was designed. However, before a system can be used, it must be purchased, usually by other stakeholders, which in turn depends on it being technically approved by yet other stakeholders. Thus, a variety of types of people have to be satisfied.

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