Ergonomics focuses on how people physically and mentally interact with products, systems and environments. Designers use ergonomic data to make products safer, more comfortable, efficient and easier to use.
This can include body measurements, posture, grip, reach, strength, visibility, controls, comfort and ease of use. A well-designed product should fit the user and reduce discomfort, strain or confusion during use.
Key idea:
Ergonomics helps designers create products that suit the user’s body, abilities and behaviour.
Paper 1 Analysis Prompts
Is the product comfortable to use?
Does the product suit the size and ability of the intended user?
Are controls, handles or buttons easy to reach and operate?
Could the product cause discomfort, strain or fatigue?
Has anthropometric data been used effectively?
Is the product safe and efficient to use over time?
B1.1 USER-CENTRED DESIGN
User-centred design focuses on understanding the needs, wants, abilities and limitations of the intended user. Designers should not rely on assumptions. They should collect evidence from real users and use this information to guide their design decisions.
A user-centred approach helps designers understand how people interact with products, what problems they experience, and how a product could be improved to better suit the user.
Key idea:
Design decisions should be based on user evidence, not personal opinion.
Paper 1 Analysis Prompts
Who is the intended user?
What problem or need is the product addressing?
How does the product support the user’s needs?
What difficulties might the user experience when using it?
How could user feedback improve the product?
Is the product designed for a specific user or a wider user group?
Designers have a responsibility to consider how their products affect people, society and the environment. A design should not only function well, but should also be safe, ethical, accessible and appropriate for its intended users.
Responsible designers think carefully about the impact of their choices, including materials, manufacturing methods, product lifespan, repairability, disposal and user safety. They should avoid creating products that cause unnecessary harm, waste or exclusion.
Key idea:
Good design considers more than the product. It considers the consequences of the product.
Paper 1: Questions to Ask
Who could be affected by this product?
Is the product safe and appropriate for the intended user?
Could the product cause harm, waste or exclusion?
Have materials and manufacturing methods been chosen responsibly?
What might happen to the product at the end of its life?
Beyond usability looks at how a product makes the user feel, not just whether it works. A product may be functional and easy to use, but still feel boring, frustrating or disconnected from the user.
Designers should consider emotional, social and sensory experiences. This includes how a product looks, feels, sounds, communicates and creates a sense of enjoyment, identity or satisfaction.
For HL students, this means thinking about the deeper relationship between the user and the product. A successful design should not only be usable, but also meaningful and engaging.
Key idea:
Beyond usability considers the emotional experience of using a product.
Paper 1: Questions to Ask
How might the user feel when using this product?
Is the product enjoyable, satisfying or meaningful to use?
Do the form, colour, material or interaction create a positive experience?
Does the product reflect the user’s lifestyle, values or identity?
Would the user want to keep using this product over time?
Inclusive design focuses on creating products that can be used by as many people as possible, regardless of age, ability, size, culture or background. It encourages designers to think beyond the “average user” and consider a wider range of human needs.
An inclusive product should reduce barriers and make the user experience easier, safer and more accessible. This does not mean one product must be perfect for everyone, but designers should aim to make products more flexible and considerate of different users.
Key idea:
Inclusive design helps more people use a product with confidence and independence.
Paper 1: Questions to Ask
Who may find this product difficult to use?
Does the product suit a range of users?
Can it be adjusted, adapted or used in different ways?
Are instructions, controls or features easy to understand?
Does the product reduce barriers for users?
HL only
Beyond usability focuses on the wider experience of using a product. A product may be functional, safe and easy to use, but it should also create a positive connection with the user.
Designers consider how a product makes the user feel, how it fits into their lifestyle, and whether it creates enjoyment, satisfaction, confidence or attachment. This can influence whether a user values the product and continues to use it over time.
User experience is shaped by more than function. Designers may consider the product’s appearance, materials, sound, texture, interaction, feedback and emotional appeal.
For example, two products may complete the same task, but one may feel more premium, enjoyable, personal or meaningful to use.
Emotional design considers the feelings and responses created by a product. A product may make a user feel confident, calm, excited, proud, independent or reassured.
This can be influenced by colour, form, material choice, sensory feedback, brand identity, personalisation and how well the product supports the user’s needs.
Products that go beyond usability may encourage stronger user attachment. If a product is enjoyable, meaningful or rewarding to use, the user may be more likely to keep, repair or care for it.
This can also support sustainability by reducing the desire to replace products quickly.
Beyond usability considers the emotional, sensory and personal experience of using a product, not just whether it works.
How might the user feel when using this product?
Is the product enjoyable, satisfying or meaningful to use?
How do colour, form, material or texture affect the experience?
Does the product give useful feedback to the user?
Does the product reflect the user’s lifestyle, values or identity?
Would the user want to keep using or caring for the product over time?
How does the product create a stronger connection with the user?
Don Norman — Emotional Design
A short 2-minute video explaining how emotion affects how users value and respond to products.
https://www.nngroup.com/videos/emotional-design/