Human centred design (HCD)

Human-Centred Design (HCD) is a creative approach to problem-solving that starts with the people you're designing for and ends with solutions tailored to their needs, behaviours, and experiences.

1. Biodesign doesn’t only affect nature — it affects people too. HCD ensures biodesign solutions are not just ecologically sound, but also socially acceptable, desirable, and usable by real people.

2. Bridges the gap between biology and daily life. It helps designers translate biological principles into human-centred applications that people can relate to, adopt, and trust.

3. Builds empathy and relevance. HCD invites designers to understand users’ values, fears, and habits — which is especially important when introducing new, unfamiliar bio-based materials or living systems.

• Conduct Empathy Interviews
  Talk to potential users and stakeholders to understand their values, needs, fears, and perceptions — especially around new or unfamiliar bio-based materials.

• Co-Design with Communities

Involve local users, artisans, or communities early in the design process to generate ideas, shape decisions, and build ownership of the biodesign solution.

• Prototype and Test in Context

Develop quick, low-risk prototypes using your biobased material or concept, and test them in real-life environments with actual users for direct feedback.

• Map the Human Journey

Create a user journey map showing how people will interact with the biodesign solution — from discovery to use to end-of-life — and identify moments that need improvement.

• Balance Desirability, Feasibility, and Viability

Continuously evaluate your biodesign solution by asking: Is it desirable for users? Technically feasible to produce? Viable for long-term social and ecological impact?