ABSTRACT
At the Institute of Design we begin the design process with problem identification which often if not always requires observation (Figure 7.15). Discovering and developing the real problem is not trivial. The development and use of various kinds of prototypes help develop useful informa tion and check on design ideas before the design team is too committed. These prototype ideas and the information they generate feed into a final prototype or representation of the design solution (Figure 7.16). This changed design process which includes the use of social science techniques and the iterative development of prototypes subject to practical use is called human-centered design at the Institute of Design, because its focus is not solely technology or economic gain, but real, practical human satisfaction with the objects and experiences designers create.
