Thinking tools · Level 6
Empathy & user-centred design
6 cards · 4 quiz · 0 exam
Creative Thinking · Level 6 · mrkellydt.co.uk
What you're learning in this topic
Learning intention WALT
We are learning about empathy & user-centred design, specifically to be able to:
- create a persona and an empathy map from research
- write a "How might we…?" question
- consider inclusive design
Success criteria WILF
- I can create a persona and an empathy map from research
- I can write a "How might we…?" question
- I can consider inclusive design
Designing for people
User-centred design starts with the people who will use your idea. Empathy means understanding how they think and feel, not just what they need.
Tools for empathy
- Persona: a made-up but realistic profile of a typical user (name, age, needs, frustrations, goals) based on your research.
- Empathy map: what the user says, thinks, does and feels.
- User journey: each step the user takes, with highs and lows marked.
- "How might we…?" question: turns a problem into a challenge, e.g. "How might we make a hospital waiting room feel calm for children?"
Inclusive design
Think about people who are often left out: disabled people, older people, people with less money, people who speak other languages. Designing for them often makes things better for everyone (e.g. dropped kerbs help wheelchairs, prams and suitcases).
Key terms
| Persona | A realistic profile of a typical user based on research |
|---|---|
| Empathy map | What the user says, thinks, does and feels |
| User journey | Each step the user takes, with highs and lows |
| "How might we…?" | A question that turns a problem into a design challenge |
| Inclusive design | Designing so people who are often left out can use it |
| Empathy | Understanding how someone thinks and feels |
Quick check
1. What are the four parts of an empathy map?
- Says, thinks, does, feels
- Who, what, where, when
- Cost, size, colour, shape
- Research, concept, test, evaluate
Show answer
A: Says, thinks, does, feels. Says, thinks, does, feels.
2. A persona should be based on…
- Your imagination only
- Your research about real users
- A famous celebrity
- Your best friend
Show answer
B: Your research about real users. Personas summarise real research.
3. Which is a good "How might we" question?
- Make a poster about the school to give to all new pupils.
- Is the school building too big for new pupils to manage?
- How might we help new pupils find their way round school on day one?
- Design a new logo and badge for the school uniform.
Show answer
C: How might we help new pupils find their way round school on day one?. It names the user and the challenge.
4. Why design inclusively?
- It is always cheaper to make
- It uses fewer colours and materials
- It isn't useful for most people
- It often makes things better for everyone
Show answer
D: It often makes things better for everyone. e.g. dropped kerbs help everyone.
Printable worksheet
An I do, we do, you do worksheet for this topic, with a separate answer sheet.