A THREE-STAGE UX PROCESS: INTEGRATING HUMAN-CENTERED DESIGN METHODS IN DESIGN EDUCATION AND MANAGERIAL TRAINING

In a context where technology-driven approaches can often overshadow user needs, the necessity of shifting toward a more human-centered perspective has become increasingly apparent in education and industry. While technology-centric frameworks may prioritize innovation and functionality, they frequently overlook the essential human factors that ensure products and services are accessible, meaningful and relevant to diverse user groups. This paper introduces a three-stage User Experience (UX) process aimed at implementing Human-Centered Design (HCD) methods in the education of design students and the continuous training of managers in UX Management. The proposed three-stage UX process emphasizes an iterative framework consisting of three key phases: Context, Concept and Implementation. The Context phase focuses on deep user research to understand user behaviors, motivations and mental models. The Concept phase involves the ideation and refinement of design solutions aligned with user goals and needs. The Implementation phase centers on usability testing, feedback-driven iteration and the final refinement of solutions. This structured approach equips both design students and professionals in continuing education to focus on the user needs and thereby creating successful solutions. Drawing on the author’s experience teaching UX design to students and UX management to professionals, the paper demonstrates how this process fosters HCD thinking, promotes empathy and cultivates a collaborative mindset. Additionally, it underscores the growing demand for such an approach in contemporary industries, where user-centered design is increasingly recognized as a critical strategic asset.