Video Reflection 1: Human Centred Design - David Kelley

Design, an ever evolving principle of human nature, encompassing nearly all aspects of our life. Few have helped shape the way design is perceived and taught as David Kelley has. His talk at TED demonstrates his understanding and observations regarding the direction design has taken during the course of his unique career. The fact that design is becoming more about the user experience and less about the technical capabilities of a product is sheer testament to the way our needs themselves have developed.

The changing focus on 'human-centred' designs where products, objects and environments should not only satisfy us on a practical level, but also speak to our emotional, spiritual and social desires. Our society now desires products which possess more than a soul-less husk of plastic or metal, no, we've grown from that, and so, design itself has come to appease this desire. The introduction of behaviour and personality while developing a product results in a more natural interaction, striking an almost instinctual reaction from the user.

3 dimensional models and a poster were all that were required to relay the intentions of a product in the past. But times have changed and so to have our methods. It is now common practice to provide demonstrations of the product in use, displaying how the user will interact and respond to the product. This method breathes life into the product, the same way an architect will show people in their buildings, giving the product a 'soul'.

The PRADA retail store in New York is a great example of this method of human-centred design. The primary focus of the store was to create a unique and enriching experience for the customer, this experience should not fall short of the reputation of excellence PRADA is renowned for. The pursuit of customer immersion led to the use of technologies not common with retail applications. The integration of liquid crystals in change room doors, allowing the customer privacy, yet convenience with the ability to turn transparent at the press of a button. The seamless use of new technology throws the store into the realms of cutting edge, without the typical sci-fi stigma associated with these gadgets, therefore not alienating the target audience. It is this fluid integration of technology which develops the refined, elegant and trend-setting countenance typical of the brand.

Much can be learnt from this video and from the ideals of human-centred design. I believe we, as designers, will find ourselves heading further and further towards this path, if we are not doing so already. I myself have learnt that the term “human-centred” extends to more than just the realm of ergonomics or practicality, that there is a deeper, less tangible desire instilled in all of us which we must pursue. We must strive for a symbiotic relationship with our designs, which I believe is the epitome of being human-centred.

Image sourced from:
http://www.ted.com/speakers/david_kelley.html

Video Link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXndL3TNCmo