Free QCE Design Flashcard Review

Human-centred design is a problem-solving methodology that prioritises the needs, wants and limitations of end-users throughout the design process. It places empathy and user research at the centre of decision-making, ensuring solutions are functional, usable and desirable for the target audience.

1. Empathise (understand user needs through research). 2. Define (articulate the problem statement). 3. Ideate (generate divergent ideas). 4. Prototype (create low-fidelity solutions). 5. Test (evaluate with users and iterate).

SCAMPER is an acronym-based ideation method: Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, Reverse/Rearrange. Each prompt generates novel design ideas by systematically exploring different ways to transform a design challenge.

Mind mapping is a non-linear brainstorming technique where a central idea branches into related concepts. Example: 'sustainable water bottle design' branches into materials (recycled plastic, bamboo), features (insulation, collapsible), and contexts (gym, office, travel), generating diverse design directions.

Random word is a forced-connection technique where designers link a random, unrelated word to the design challenge to generate unexpected ideas. Example: designing a chair for elderly users + random word 'mushroom' might prompt curved forms, soft materials, or organic silhouettes not initially considered.

Biomimicry applies biological structures and processes to design challenges, asking 'how would nature solve this?' Example: designing efficient water management by observing termite mounds, or creating self-cleaning surfaces inspired by lotus leaves. It generates nature-based solutions to human problems.

This technique removes ideation pressure by deliberately generating the worst solutions first, then reversing concepts to identify viable ideas. Example: worst ideas for a mobile phone – heavy, no screen, unreliable battery – reversed to prioritise lightweight design, quality display, efficient power management.

Fluency is the ability to generate numerous ideas rapidly within a timeframe. It measures quantity of output; high-fluency ideation produces 20+ concepts regardless of immediate quality. Quantity supports creativity by increasing the probability of discovering innovative solutions.

Flexibility is the capacity to generate diverse types of ideas from different conceptual categories. Example: solutions for 'reducing single-use plastic' might include alternative materials, behaviour change (refill systems), regulatory action (bans), or product redesign—spanning multiple solution domains.

Originality measures the uniqueness and novelty of ideas generated. High-originality ideas are statistically uncommon, move beyond existing solutions, and offer fresh perspectives. It distinguishes truly innovative design from incremental improvements.

An empathy map is a visual tool divided into four quadrants exploring what a user SAYS, THINKS, DOES, and FEELS. It synthesises qualitative research to build understanding of user motivations, pain points and contexts, informing problem definition.

A user persona is a fictional but research-based profile representing a target user segment, including demographics, goals, frustrations and motivations. Personas humanise design decisions, help teams empathise, maintain focus during ideation, and justify choices grounded in evidence rather than assumptions.

A customer journey map visualises a user's experience with a product or service across multiple touchpoints over time. It includes stages of interaction (awareness, purchase, use, support), user actions, emotions, pain points, and opportunities. It reveals friction points and guides design improvements.

Observation captures authentic user behaviour in real contexts without influencing it, revealing actions users may not articulate. Interviews elicit opinions and motivations directly. Combined, observation shows what users do; interviews explain why—together providing holistic empathy for design decisions.

1. Equitable use (accessible to all abilities). 2. Flexible use (accommodates varied preferences). 3. Simple, intuitive use (clear, easy to understand). 4. Perceptible information (visible and audible feedback). 5. Tolerance for error (undo functions, warnings). 6. Low physical effort (minimal exertion required). 7. Size and space for approach (accessible dimensions).

Line is a continuous mark with length and direction. In HCD, lines guide attention (leading lines on websites), define form (outline of handles), or convey emotion (soft curves for child products, sharp angles for technical devices). Effective use improves usability and communicates function.

Shape is 2D (circle, square, triangle) defined by outline; form is 3D (sphere, cube, cone) with volume and space. In HCD, shape communicates conceptually (circular buttons suggest motion), while form determines physical usability—an ergonomic chair's 3D form must support the human body during extended sitting.

Colour serves functional and emotional roles: wayfinding (green exit signs), status (red alert buttons), cultural associations (white for cleanliness in healthcare), accessibility (high contrast text for readability). In HCD, colour choices must support usability for colour-blind users and convey meaning consistently.

Texture is the tactile quality of a surface (smooth, rough, soft, ridged). In HCD products, texture improves functionality by enhancing grip (textured phone cases), providing tactile feedback (dimpled controls), communicating quality (premium materials), and engaging multiple senses for better user experience.

Tone is the relative lightness or darkness of a colour. Contrast is the difference in tone between adjacent elements. In HCD interfaces, tonal contrast ensures readability (dark text on light backgrounds), guides visual hierarchy, and improves accessibility for users with low vision.