Free course

People-centred designing

Free statement of participation on completion
People-centred designing
More about this course

Course description

Course content

Designed products surround us all and range from bus tickets to buildings. This free course, People-centred designing, focuses firmly on usability and the increasingly important phenomenon of people-centred design. It aims to inform consumers of design (i.e., all of us) about this crucial characteristic of design. In addition to stimulating interest in areas of concern for producers of design, the course might also provide an introduction to engineering, manufacturing and business studies.

Course learning outcomes

After studying this course, you should be able to:

  • demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the principles of user-centred designing
  • criticise some everyday products from a user's point of view
  • suggest and apply some appropriate methods for researching how users interact with products
  • apply comparison and evaluation skills, including constructive criticism of everyday products
  • apply observational skills in the context of both personal and others' use of products.
Enter course

First Published: 10/08/2012

Updated: 17/03/2016

You can start this course right now without signing-up. Click on any of the course content sections below to start at any point in this course.
If you want to be able to track your progress, earn a free Statement of Participation, and access all course quizzes and activities, sign-up.

Course content

Expand all course content

For further information, take a look at our frequently asked questions which may give you the support you need.

Have a question?
T211_1

Take your learning further

Making the decision to study can be a big step, which is why you'll want a trusted University. The Open University has 50 years’ experience delivering flexible learning and 170,000 students are studying with us right now. Take a look at all Open University courses.

If you are new to University-level study, we offer two introductory routes to our qualifications. You could either choose to start with an Access module, or a module which allows you to count your previous learning towards an Open University qualification. Read our guide on Where to take your learning next for more information.

Not ready for formal University study? Then browse over 1000 free courses on OpenLearn and sign up to our newsletter to hear about new free courses as they are released.

Every year, thousands of students decide to study with The Open University. With over 120 qualifications, we’ve got the right course for you.

Request an Open University prospectus371