The Fable of the User-Centred Designer

Almost one year ago, two Saint Mary’s Press project teams set out to develop two distinct products.

One team was tasked with developing an all new product. The second team was tasked with revising a product already being used.  The resulting products would ultimately serve different markets and therefore different customers.

But before each team began to develop, they were asked to read a short story. The story, written by Dr. David Travis, is called the “Fable of the User-Centred Designer”.

Reading this story and the subsequent conversations of the project teams,  signaled the beginning of a shift in how we viewed and approached product development. 

I bring up the story here today because it serves as great background and a helpful illustration of the approach of user-centered design. But also, because  the story serves as a good reminder for all who develop and innovate, that what we create, we do so not apart from but in partnership with, those who use what we develop.

I post the link to the story here with thanks to Dr. David Travis for his encouragement to “pass it on” and for his willingness to share his wisdom.

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GOING DEEPER: Read more about red routes here at http://www.userfocus.co.uk/articles/redroutes.html