What is Human-Centred Design? UX/UI Insights | Notitia
TL;DR: The most important phase of any technology project is not building — it is understanding. Human-centred design starts with listening to users and defining the real problem before creating a solution.
For Carolina Pérez Dilsizian, Senior UX/UI Digital Designer at Notitia, good design goes beyond aesthetics.
“Design is about communicating clearly and solving a real problem for a real person.”
Carolina recently explored this idea in a thought leadership article published by TechDay Australia, reflecting on her experience designing web applications, portals and data products for Australian organisations.
In digital and data projects, the challenge is rarely just design execution. More often, it is understanding what users actually need, and translating that into something that works in practice.
What is human-centred design in digital and data projects?
Human-centred design is an approach that focuses on understanding users before building solutions.
At Notitia, this means working closely with stakeholders to unpack what they are trying to achieve, what challenges they face and how systems need to support them. As Carolina explains, the purpose of design is not just visual. Rather than starting with technology, human-centred design starts with people — and builds solutions around real-world use.
"At Notitia we use a human-centred design approach, which is a structured process that prioritises empathy and clarity," Carolina told TechDay Australia.
"The empathising stage is the most important phase. You need to hear everything the client is saying to extract the main issues.
"This stage is critical because if you misunderstand the problem at the start, you can't provide the best solution."
Why listening is the most critical phase of any technology project
Carolina is clear about where the most important work happens.
“What is the most critical phase of any technology project? It begins with listening, Carolina says.
“And I would argue that the most important phase of any technology project is not the build stage, but the understanding phase, when you stop to unpack what users are actually trying to solve and how they are going to solve it.
“Sometimes organisations come to us with a lot of issues and they don't know how to tackle them.”
This is where design creates value, by turning unclear requirements into structured, solvable problems.
How design helps organisations define the right problem
A key part of Carolina’s role is helping organisations move from symptoms to clarity.
“Part of our work is information gathering, hearing about their issues, prioritising what needs to be solved, and helping them to understand what they actually need.”
This process often involves unpacking requests that may not reflect the real issue, Carolina says.
“Clients will say, ‘I need these reports every month but I have to look in five different places.’”
“Our job is to unpack that and define the actual need.”
She says by focusing on the underlying problem, teams can design solutions that are more effective, scalable and aligned with how organisations operate.
The role of empathy in human-centred design
At Notitia, Carolina says empathy ensures that solutions are grounded in real user needs, not assumptions. This approach is formalised through a structured design process.
"Many clients approach Notitia with symptoms rather than clearly defined problems," Carolina said to TechDay Australia.
"Sometimes organisations come to us with a lot of issues and they don't know how to tackle them. Part of our work is information gathering, hearing about their issues, prioritising what needs to be solved, and helping them to understand what they actually need."
This listening phase is central to our approach, Carolina says.
From wireframes to real-world solutions
Carolina explains that design is an iterative process, starting simple and becoming more refined over time.
“My team begins with low-fidelity wireframes, simplified prototypes that focus on functionality rather than aesthetics.”
“We iterate with low effort first. We then test options and agree on outcomes. Only after that do we move into high fidelity, where it looks like a finished product.”
This approach allows teams to test ideas early and reduce risk before investing in full development and it also ensures that the final solution is aligned with user needs and expectations, she says.
Why collaboration matters in data and digital projects
Design is only one part of a broader delivery process, Carolina says.
“Collaboration across disciplines is critical in data-heavy projects.”
She works closely with developers and data analytics specialists to ensure that solutions are both functional and usable. This collaboration ensures that data is not only technically correct, but also easy to interpret and act on.
“When designing dashboards, for example, fitting everything onto one page might look impressive, but it's not always usable.”
“The analytics team makes the data work. The design team helps to ensure that it's intuitive.”
What skills are needed for a career in UX/UI design?
Looking back on her career, Carolina highlights the importance of curiosity and openness.
“I've always been drawn to learning about different industries and understanding how things work.”
For those entering the field, she emphasises one key skill above all others.
“For newcomers entering digital product roles, the most important skill is listening.”
“You have to be genuinely open, don't impose solutions. Discuss ideas. Be horizontal in your leadership style.”
Why human-centred design leads to better outcomes
When design starts with listening and understanding, the outcomes are stronger and more impactful.
“Sometimes the biggest value we provide isn't just the final product, it's helping clients to articulate what they actually need," Carolina tells TechDay Australia.
This approach ensures that digital solutions are:
- Aligned with user needs
- Easier to use
- More effective in practice
Ultimately, good design shapes how people work and make decisions, and that starts with listening, Carolina says.
How Notitia applies human-centred design in practice
At Notitia, Carolina works across complex digital projects for government and public sector organisations, where system improvements can have a broader real-world impact.
“When we improve their systems it has a real-world ripple effect.”
Projects often involve centralising data, improving reporting and designing systems that support service delivery. Across healthcare, government and community sectors, this approach ensures that technology is built around how organisations actually operate.
FAQs about human-centred design
What is human-centred design?
Human-centred design is an approach that focuses on understanding user needs before designing and building solutions.
Why is listening important in technology projects?
Listening helps identify the real problem, ensuring solutions are relevant and effective.
What does a UX/UI designer do?
A UX/UI designer creates digital experiences that are easy to use, clear and aligned with user needs.
How does design improve data and analytics projects?
Design ensures that data is presented in a way that is intuitive and supports decision-making.
What skills are needed for UX/UI design?
Key skills include listening, communication, problem solving and the ability to simplify complex ideas.
Read more about Carolina, or visit Notitia's team page to learn more about our people.
