Human-Computer Interaction. A Course Reflection

Abstract or Introduction

Human-centered design (HCD) is a philosophy that empowers an individual or team to design products, services, systems, and experiences that address the core needs of those who experience a problem. Besides HCD, there are other methods and perspectives such as Agile methods, Waterfall method, and Scrum. The Waterfall methodology is a traditional approach to create a system while solving it with a linear process. After the completion of one phase, the engineer moves forward to the next one. It works best for short and well-defined projects.

Agile methodologies begin by designing and developing simultaneously and concurrently that means the design and development phases are separated. The Scrum methodology, the most-known agile method, is a framework within which people can address complex adaptive problems, while productively and creatively delivering products of the highest possible value. The key difference between HCD and the described approaches above is that HCD identifies, understands, and thinks about its user needs. It designs around it and not around the process as the Waterfall model or Scrum do. Furthermore, the timing and the way how HCD addresses a problem distinguish it.