What is "user-centered design"?

User-centered design is fundamentally about involving actual users in the design process to ensure that the products created meet their needs, preferences, and requirements. This approach acknowledges that end-users have valuable insights and experiences that can guide the design decisions, leading to more effective, usable, and accessible products.

By engaging users throughout the development process—through activities such as user research, feedback sessions, and usability testing—designers can better understand the context in which users will use the product. This ensures that the final product is not only functional but also intuitive and aligned with the users' expectations and abilities, ultimately leading to increased user satisfaction and accessibility.

Other approaches, such as focusing solely on aesthetics, would neglect the practical functionality needed for all users, particularly those with disabilities. Similarly, targeting a specific demographic, such as younger audiences, does not encompass the broader principle of accessibility for all users. Working in isolation contradicts the core principle of user-centered design, which is collaboration and engagement with users throughout the design process.