What approach does user-centered design focus on?

User-centered design prioritizes the needs and wants of the end user as the core focus of the design process. This approach is rooted in understanding how users interact with a product or service and what they truly require to achieve their goals effectively. By conducting user research, including interviews and usability tests, designers gather valuable insights that inform the design decisions, ensuring that the final product is intuitive and meets the expectations of its intended audience.

The emphasis on the end user helps create designs that are not only functional and accessible but also enhance user satisfaction and engagement. This method contrasts with other approaches that might focus more on visual aesthetics, the preferences of the designer, or financial constraints, which can sometimes lead to solutions that overlook the most crucial aspect—how users experience the design in real-world scenarios.