Exploration of UCD Practice Limitations

Abstract The integration of user-centred design (UCD) practices in software development is fundamental for enhancing the overall experiences of software users. In this paper, we summarize the results of various research studies on what the stated limitations of UCD practices are. A process called the UCD Sprint was introduced recently with the goal of addressing some of the existing UCD practice limitations for integrating UCD practices in software development. The guided usage of the step-by-step process has been studied with students and UCD practitioners in courses showing positive results, where participants describe benefits while using the process, such as the speed of the process, its clear structure, guidance. In this paper, we describe results from a synthesis study summarizing results on how guided usage of the UCD Sprint can address UCD practice limitations. Furthermore, we describe results from a series of interviews with UCD practitioners on how they currently practice UCD, the challenges and limitations they experience and their views on how unguided usage of the UCD Sprint would potentially fit their UCD practices. While the interviewees recognize the importance of user involvement, they highlight challenges in aligning user interests with other stakeholders' interests. All participants had used processes like design sprints for structuring their UCD practices. Interviewees have generally tailored the traditional approach of design sprints, showcasing a nuanced understanding of UCD practices. The results show that the UCD Sprint process is considered by UCD practitioners as a promising approach for practicing UCD. The process is viewed with enthusiasm, but the need for clear objectives and adaptability to the work contexts of the UCD practitioners remains essential. UCD practitioners’ adaptive strategies of their UCD practices emphasize the need for flexibility and adaptation of UCD practices and processes.