Human-centered design (HCD) is a methodology for creating solutions deeply rooted in the needs, desires, and contexts of the people they are intended for. By focusing on empathy, HCD ensures that research and subsequent designs are aligned with the actual experiences and expectations of the target population. This learning brief explores the application of HCD in qualitative research, focusing on the preparatory considerations necessary for effective, ethical research and some suggested HCD research methods.
Introduction
Human-Centered Design (HCD) is a systematic process that integrates human perspectives at every stage of problem-solving. It consists of steps, tools, and mindsets that practitioners use to guide program participants or users in co-creating solutions to their challenges. These practices enable us to better understand problems by considering how they manifest in the lived realities of program participants.
HCD places people at the center of the research process, involving them as active participants rather than passive subjects. This approach includes:
- Empathy: Understanding the user’s experiences and emotions through deep engagement and observation.
- Defining: Clearly articulating the problem based on insights gathered from users.
- Ideating: Brainstorming a wide range of ideas and solutions with user input.
- Prototyping: Creating tangible representations of ideas for user feedback.
- Testing: Refining solutions based on user interactions and feedback.
Preparatory Considerations
Before embarking on qualitative research using HCD, researchers should address several critical preparatory steps:
- Literature Review:
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- Carry out a literature review to grasp the current state of knowledge, identify gaps, and expand on previous research. The goal is to comprehend the existing studies and discussions related to a specific topic or field and to convey that understanding in a written report.
- Identify best practices and potential challenges encountered in similar studies to ensure the research team is well-prepared.
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- Stakeholder Alignment:
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- Engage all relevant stakeholders early to align on the key research questions and objectives.
- Ensure stakeholders understand the HCD approach and commit to a user-centered research process.
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- Ethical Approvals:
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- Obtain necessary ethical approvals from relevant bodies, such as the Institutional Review Board (IRB) in the country where the research will be conducted. Learn more about how to navigate IRB for HCD research.
- Prepare and submit detailed research protocols outlining methodologies, consent processes, and data protection measures.
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- Community Engagement:
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- Engage with community leaders and members to gain their support and insights. Their involvement can enhance the relevance and acceptance of the research.
- Use participatory approaches to engage the community in both the design and execution of the research.
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- Research Tools & Methods
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- Based on the research questions, identify the tools and methods to answer your key research questions meaningfully.
- You can review and download the list we developed during the HCD Research Methods Masterclass here. You will find a definition of the tool or method and how it works.
HCD Research in Public Health
Research in the Public Health field requires special consideration to ensure participant comfort, trust, and ethical integrity. Here are critical approaches:
- Build Trust and Rapport: Create a secure and supportive environment where participants feel comfortable sharing their experiences. Building trust may require spending additional time within the community and working with trusted intermediaries to facilitate introductions.
- Ensure Confidentiality: Clearly communicate how the research team will protect participants’ information and ensure secure data handling practices.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Be mindful of cultural norms and values that may influence participants’ views and discussions on health topics. Adapt your approach to honor and respect these norms.
- Emotional Support: Provide access to counseling or support services for participants who may find discussing certain topics distressing.
Conclusion
HCD lays a strong foundation for qualitative research by emphasizing the importance of understanding and addressing the needs and experiences of the people involved. When researching public health topics, researchers must take a thoughtful and empathetic approach to establish trust and maintain ethical standards. Reviewing existing literature, aligning with stakeholders, and obtaining necessary ethical approvals helps create a solid basis for valuable and effective research. Integrating HCD into qualitative studies improves the quality of insights and ensures that the solutions closely align with the users’ needs and contexts.
This brief has been written by HCDExchange’s Munya Joel Chinguwa and edited by Muthoni Wachira, Rimjhim Surana, and Belindar Kwamboka.
