Human Centered Design in a Virtual World

Human Centered Design in a Virtual World #humancentereddesign #innovations #virtualworkspace #pandemicsituation

Changes are required in how we work, do business and provide services during this pandemic. When COVID-19 arose, virtual work was thrust upon millions of us with no warning or time to adapt. When changes like this happen, Human Centered Design is the best tool to quickly come up with broad-based ideas on how to work remotely.

Ironically, most Human Centered Design methods and processes were created to be used in an the in-person environment denied to us today. To use Human Centered Design in a virtual environment we must adapt these methods to be shared collaboratively in virtual meetings.

Although Human Centered Design relies heavily on using sticky notes for quick, simultaneous and democratic ideation from group members, virtual versions of these notes can be created and shared on screen on virtual meeting platforms. But accessing this information from group members works better using simple chat entries, copied by facilitators and pasted into virtual sticky notes for sharing, grouping and moving around on virtual screens.

In order to ensure that participants' input does not stifle the creative ideas of other members, I direct each to type their ideas into chat, but delay hitting enter until directed. On the command to "Hit Enter" all ideas pop up simultaneously. I, or my assistant in the virtual meeting, copy each of the ideas from chat onto appropriate colored sticky notes, which are then shared, groups and used on screen to develop new plans and processes.

In addition to the use of virtual sticky notes, I have used statement starters to respond to the idea groups, such as "How might we improve.... " These are used on a Creative Matrix to allow for more new ideas to be created, shared and prioritized for action using an Important/ Difficulty Matrix or similar prioritizing tool.

Even though team members might not be able to physically gather in the same place, they can meet virtually is shared spaces using Human Centered Design methods adapted for a virtual world. If you have questions on these process, feel free to message me.