What is Human-Centred Design (HCD)? | Why Does Human Centred Design Matter in Data and Analytics Projects? | FAQs: Human-Centred Design in Practice
Human-centred design (HCD) ensures that the software, dashboards and data tools we deliver, actually works, in real life, for real people — not just technical specs.
This post breaks down what it means, how we apply it at Notitia, and why it gets results.
What is Human-Centred Design (HCD)?
Human-centred design is a problem-solving approach that keeps people — not just systems or features — at the heart of every solution. It’s about understanding what users need, what they value, and how they interact with technology in real contexts.
In practice, HCD involves:
- Listening to users and stakeholders
- Mapping their goals, pain points, and behaviours
- Prototyping and testing solutions with users early and often
- Iterating based on feedback — not assumptions
It’s not new, but we’ve been around long enough in this industry to see the impact of this step being “skipped” when teams are in a rush. The impact of not including HCD? Costly reworks and low adoption rates
Why does Human Centred Design matter in digital, data and software projects?
Here’s the short version: the best analytics in the world won’t matter if no one can use them.
We’ve seen it first-hand — dashboards gathering dust because clinicians, analysts or policy teams don’t see their relevance. But when we co-design with the people who use the tool? Adoption, satisfaction and decision-making improve.
In the news: Notitia Managing Director Alex Avery tells TechDay why Human-centred design essential in software development.
Alex Avery, Notitia Managing Director, recently spoke to TechDay about using human-centred design in software development to ensure software solutions are built around the needs of users rather than just technology itself.
"Technology should serve people, not the other way around," Mr Avery comments.
"Real people drive business outcomes—which means that those who use the technology, need to be able to use it effectively to achieve their goals.
"It's critical in the software development process to balance what the end product does on paper, against how it will actually be used, and who will use it."
Benefits of HCD for data and analytics projects:
🔄 Fewer rewrites or abandoned tools
📈 Higher uptake and satisfaction
💬 Better engagement from non-technical users
⏱️ Faster delivery because you’re solving the right problems
How Notitia Applies Human-Centred Design
We embed Human Centred Design into every stage of our digital and data projects — from scoping through to delivery and training.
Whether we’re building a complex health reporting tool or a public-facing data portal, our approach stays grounded in real user needs.
Your Cheat Sheet: Notitia’s HCD process in six steps:
- Stakeholder Interviews
We speak with end users and decision-makers to understand their context, challenges, and goals.
- User Personas & Mapping
We create visual maps of user journeys and needs — so every design choice ties back to real behaviour.
- Concepts in Context
Early ideas are shaped with project goals and user tasks in mind. We co-create with clients and end users.
- Wireframes & Prototypes
Before we code, we sketch and test. This helps us iron out design issues before they become dev problems.
- Iterative Testing
We validate prototypes with users and iterate quickly. Feedback loops are built in from day one.
- Tailored Training
We deliver hands-on support that matches the tools to the people — not just the tech.
Who Should Use Human-Centred Design?
Any organisation building tools for people should use HCD — especially in healthcare, government, and complex operational environments where the stakes are high and users vary widely.
It’s ideal for:
*Digital health and Primary Health Networks
* Government programs and policy dashboards
* Infrastructure or construction reporting tools
* FMCG and manufacturing environments with frontline and back-office users
Why Clients Choose Notitia
We’re a boutique data and digital consultancy working across healthcare, government, FMCG, Aboriginal services and infrastructure. Our edge is combining sharp data strategy with good design — and always putting people at the centre.
We don’t just deliver dashboards. We co-design solutions that people trust, use, and advocate for. Whether we’re working on a cloud migration or a new reporting suite, HCD is part of how we think and build.
As Carolina Perez-Dilsizian, Notitia’s Senior Designer, puts it: “Human Centred design isn’t just for designers.”
“It’s a mindset and a method that belongs in every digital or data transformation project,” Perez-Dilsizian says.
“When you work with Notitia, HCD is built into our process — helping you build things that work, last, and deliver impact.
“We don’t just design for usability — we design for clarity, empathy and decision-making. That’s what makes our work stick.”
FAQs: Human-Centred Design in Practice
Q: How long does human-centred design take?
A: HCD doesn’t have to slow you down. When built into the early phases of a project, it saves time later by avoiding costly rework.
Q: Can HCD be applied to technical tools like dashboards?
A: Absolutely. It’s especially valuable for making technical outputs like data visualisations meaningful to non-technical users.
Q: What’s the ROI of human-centred design?
A: Improved adoption, reduced rework, better outcomes — and stronger relationships between product, tech, and end users.
Want to find out more about how Notitia can help your business? Get in touch.
