‘People are at the heart of what we do’ – you’ve probably heard more than one business state this and some are more believable than others…
Businesses keen to better service their customers often fear the changes and associated risks that come with it. However, those who have implemented human-centred design methodologies have seen a reduction in the risk of failure and an increase in their market success.
Customers now want a strong relationship with their supplier, as their need for security and trust has increased during the pandemic – making a human-centred approach an essential management requirement for success.
Let’s look at our top five benefits of using a human-centred design process:
1. Lowered risk of product failure
Unlike using a waterfall workflow, where work follows a sequential process with no external feedback until the end of the process – using human-centred design methodologies brings the customer into the workflow earlier on. It can be easy to overlook minor and key features and attributes, so having more opportunities for product testing and getting consumer feedback reduces the risk of a fatal error before it hits the market.
2. Improved product quality
With the continual refinement and review from external stakeholders, the product will be of the highest quality when it hits the market. The improvement in product quality will ultimately lead to higher sales and customer retention.
3. Increased customer experience, trust and loyalty
Your customers are people with real needs, and they expect to be put first. When focusing on customer-centric metrics i.e., Retention and satisfaction, you build trust in your brand. Involving your customer in the design process strengthens a business’ relationship and provides a service that benefits both parties.
User-feedback from the start means designers can produce a product that meets the needs of the customer, so they have a better UX (user experience).
4. More confidence within your design team
Designers can often be wary when building a product, as they have little external feedback and so don’t know if their idea will be successful. By looping in outside stakeholders early in the process, designers know what the customer wants and can adapt designs accordingly using their feedback. This real-time feedback shows them if they’re designs are functional and what the customer wants and needs.
5. Positioned as a leader in your industry
Last but certainly not least – you’ll step ahead of your competitors. By using human-centred design methodologies, your customer will feel valued and keep returning to buy your products. Your biggest competitor who’s still using a traditional strategy, will soon be pushing to keep up.
We can see that taking a human-centred, design-led approach can transform your business and processes, reveal new opportunities, and position you as a leader.
Our work
Tenshi’s Strategic, User Centred Understanding & Insight supports and enhances your innovation initiatives infusing and encouraging user centred innovation, while illuminating new market opportunities to grow your business.
If you’re looking to implement a human-centred approach, please get in touch to see how we can help.