Putting People at the Heart of Technology
The UT Consulting team thoroughly considers the underlying pain points and needs of users as a key input into the technology design and development process.
Our Human-First approach emphasises meeting the needs of a project’s end users. Rather than deploying technology for technology’s sake, we consider the unique needs of end users from the outset of the design process and ensure these core needs are threaded throughout the design journey.
Putting people first is ingrained in our design process. From our initial meetings and workshops with Clients, we strive to understand their pain points and the core requirements that our technology design must address. For us, it’s a collaboration between users and our team, and it’s a key part of our design philosophy.
“We don’t walk into workshops asking users what they want us to design. Instead, we focus on drawing out what they feel is missing from the existing system, where it’s been difficult to navigate, and we gather insight into how a new system will be used along with some aspirational qualities.”
During the initial Concept Design period, we prioritise end users in our approach by:
- Uncovering the operational requirements, the core needs and considerations of users in workshops and meetings.
- Highlighting solutions available in the market that address any pain points and meet the needs of users.
- Discussing the pros and cons of different options, and guiding users through current and emerging technology best suited to address their unique needs.
- Reconvening with users to validate their needs have been understood and ensuring our concept design is endorsed by key stakeholders.
Once we have received endorsement of our concept design report, we use this document as the foundation of our technology solution design. By ensuring people have been actively involved in the design process we deliver systems that address their issues and meet user needs effectively.
How people benefit from human-centric design
Technology designs in complex environments are only as successful as their use. Effective technology is integrated into the day-to-day life of the user. To accomplish this, technology must be effective in meeting user’s needs and to meet these needs the design process must involve open discussions with users.
Once concepts are endorsed, it’s the role of the consultant to ensure that the installed technology traces it’s purpose back to the user. For UT Consulting, people benefit from human centric technology design because:
- The technology is widely used.
Human centred technology is used. The technology is not a gadget or a gimmick, it’s something people use day to day to improve their work experience.
- The technology feels seamless.
The user doesn’t dread using the technology. It’s not something to be overcome or navigated. You don’t need multiple menus and manuals to use it. The whole process is easy and simple.
- It provides a material benefit to the organisation through, for example, improved collaboration or enhanced user experience.
Technology that is designed to meet a genuine need enriches the work environment and enhances users’ ability to perform their role.
How can a Human Centric design process benefit my organisation?
UT Consulting understands technology design has a material reality. Investments expect a return, so how can a Human Centric design process benefit your organisation materially?
In addition to the intangible benefits like staff satisfaction and improved user experience, there are tangible benefits:
- Effective value management.
Designing performance-based technology solutions enable our team to navigate the technology options available in the market to provide a design that is focused on meeting user needs. Prioritising the user’s needs means we can effectively value manage solutions around these needs.
- Manufacturer agnostic solutions as an option.
It’s important to ensure solutions are focussed on meeting needs, not on one specific product at the expense of the broader design. User driven designs are performance based and enable technology to be sourced competitively from the entire market.
- Avoiding over-engineering.
Designing solutions in isolation from users may result in unnecessary features or technologies that don’t address real needs, adding costs without real benefits. By focusing on what really matters, organisations can ensure a return on their technology investment.
- Improved and enhanced service delivery.
Imagine trying to present a proposal on a system no one is confident using without tech support on hand. Imagine teaching in a room of paid customers from a faulty lectern with horrible acoustics. Imagine a patient in a hospital who can’t reach their nurse call patient handset.
A failure to consider the human in design is a failure in design. By designing technology fit for your organisation we can reduce the risk of failures that are a disruption to services or processes.
Independent Advice and Consulting
UT Consulting provides audio visual and technology consulting services completely independent from suppliers and equipment manufacturers. Our commitment to independence ensures our team is always available to discuss ALL options available to our clients.
Remaining independent equips our team to address end users’ needs comprehensively because we are not bound by any supplier arrangements.
Our goal is to provide the best possible technology solutions to meet the needs of your users. This commitment to a human-first approach requires access to the full range of options available in the market.
Designing technology fit for your organisation.
Our consultants are committed to designing technology that places people first. We prioritise meeting the actual needs of users rather than pursuing technology for its own sake and welcome the opportunity to meet with you and workshop how best to deploy technology in your organisation.
Our aim is to ensure that technology investments are strategically directed to have the greatest impact on meeting the needs of end users. If you require assistance navigating the complexities of technology design and integration, please don’t hesitate to contact our consulting team at: +61 3 9601 6555.
