What is user-centric design, and how does it differ from the traditional way of building services? Let’s dive in.

In traditional design, the focus is often on what the company *thinks* the users need. Decisions are made by stakeholders and developers who assume they know what’s best. This approach can lead to services that might work well in theory but don’t always meet real user needs.

User-centric design flips this approach. Here, the focus is on understanding the user’s needs, behaviors, and pain points first. Designers and developers create solutions *with* the user in mind at every step, ensuring the final product truly resonates with them.

For example, imagine designing a public transportation app.
In the traditional approach, developers might focus on adding all possible features—route planning, ticket purchases, maps—but neglect ease of use. This could lead to a complex app that confuses users.

In contrast, with user-centric design, the team would first research how users navigate public transportation. They might discover that users just want a simple way to find the quickest route. The result? A streamlined app that users love and find incredibly easy to use.

In short, while traditional design starts with assumptions, user-centric design starts with users. The difference? Products that are not just functional, but truly user-friendly.

Please remember, the best designs always put users first.