Level: Basic
User-centered design means every major decision is evaluated against real user needs and behavior, not internal preference or assumption.
Start From Research, Not Assumption
Genuine user-centered design begins by understanding actual user goals and pain points, rather than designing around what a team assumes users want.
Iterate Based on Real Feedback
Testing designs with real users and adjusting based on what's actually observed, rather than defending an initial design choice, is central to this approach.
It's a Process, Not a One-Time Checklist
User-centered design is an ongoing discipline applied throughout a project's life, not a phase you complete once early on and move past.
Next step: Use the SeoWolf's Notepad to document your research findings and design decisions in one place as you apply this philosophy to a real project.