Figure 1.
An overview of the user-centred design process.
User-centred design focuses on the needs of the user, ensuring that the end product is fit for purpose. Once you have an idea for creating a new resource, or improving your existing resource, the key stages are: 1) Defining your goals and identifying your audience. 2) Characterising your users and their needs. 3) Designing mock-ups of your product. 4) Building prototypes of selected mock-ups and testing these with your users. 5) Writing the technical specifications and building the product. The UCD process is iterative; you continue to involve your users as you make improvements.