This presentation summarizes the findings of a qualitative case study exploring the work process of design practitioners in Bangladesh and their motivation to adopt human-centered design methodology. The study sheds light on the current state of the design industry in Bangladesh and provides recommendations for improving the design process through effective communication, collaboration, and the use of human-centered design methodologies. The research report, authored Wahid bin Ahsan, Sultana Nasrin Anika, Tanjina Akter, Dip Chandra Dey, Asad Uz Zaman, & Shishir Sarker. (2023). Exploring the Work Process of Design Practitioners in Bangladesh and their Motivation to Adopt Human-centered Design Methodology: A Qualitative Case Study. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7633052

1. Improving the Design Process in Bangladesh
through Human-centered Design
A CALL FOR
COLLABORATION
Wahid bin Ahsan

2. CASE STUDY

3. Exploring the Work Process of Design
Practitioners in Bangladesh and their
Motivation to Adopt Human-centered
Design Methodology
Wahid bin Ahsan, Sultana Nasrin Anika, Tanjina Akter, Dip
Chandra Dey, Asad Uz Zaman, & Shishir Sarker. (2023).
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7633052

4. AUTHORS

5. Sultana Nasrin Anika,
Userhub
Tanjina Akter,
Userhub
Dip Chandra Dey,
Userhub
Asad Uz Zaman,
Userhub
Shishir Sarker,
Userhub
Wahid bin Ahsan,
Userhub

6. BACKGROUND AND
SIGNIFICANCE

7. Human-centered design is a
methodology for creating user-
centered solutions. (Norman,
1988)
A

8. Plan
Analyze
Design
Test

9. Adoption of this approach in
Bangladesh is still in early stages.
B

10. This study aims to identify factors
influencing design practitioners
and opportunities for improving
the design process.
C

11. The findings will inform design
education and practice in
Bangladesh.
D

12. METHODOLOGY

13. The qualitative case study was used to
understand factors influencing the
design process and motivation for
adopting human-centered design in
Bangladesh (Creswell, 2018)
1

14. The sample consisted of 50
designers from various industries,
with work experience of 1-21
years.
2

15. Snowball and purposive sampling
techniques were used for the
sampling process (Patton, 2015).
2

16. Semi-structured interviews were
conducted online via Zoom, with the
data collected through a six-question
interview protocol (Creswell, 2018).
3

17. Informed consent was obtained from
all participants, and their anonymity
and confidentiality were maintained
throughout the study (American
Psychological Association, 2017).
4

18. To avoid potential bias, Userhub
students were excluded from the study
since the institution already teaches
human-centered design as part of its
curriculum.
5

19. CAREER AND
KNOWLEDGE

20. The majority of the designers
began their careers as Graphic
designers, inspired by their
interest in drawing.
1

21. Designers in Bangladesh have a
strong foundation in visual design
and have often received training
focused on software tools.
2

22. Most of them have limited
knowledge of other crucial
aspects of design, such as user
research and human-centered
design methodologies.
3

23. WORK PROCESS

24. Their work process is primarily
based on competitor research,
searching the market for similar
products, and drawing inspiration
from them.
1

25. Typically involves brainstorming,
ideating, developing a prototype,
creating visual styles, and
receiving feedback from clients.
2

26. Freelancers collect requirements
through direct client interviews or
provided briefs.
Full-time designers receive their
requirements from superiors.
3

27. The majority of full-time designers
work on-demand tasks.
4

28. INDUSTRY-SPECIFIC
FINDINGS

29. IT, training institutes, and
consumer electronics industries
sometimes create user journey
maps and user personas.
1

30. Designers from advertising
agencies work with limited
customization within pre-defined
templates
2

31. The telecommunications and
service platform industries
conduct user research, use agile
methods, and Google's design
sprints.
3

32. IT, service, telecommunications,
and advertising agencies perform
on-demand tasks.
4

33. PROBLEMS AND
CHALLENGES

34. Designers face time constraints
and unrealistic expectations from
management, which can affect
the quality of their designs.
1

35. Part-time and remote designers
struggle with conflicting timelines
and meeting schedules.
2

36. Freelance designers face payment
issues, including limited budgets
and non-payment for completed
work.
3

37. International clients were also
reported to set random budgets
without understanding the scope
of the work.
4

38. Freelance designers reported
difficulties with internet
connectivity
The cost of high-configuration
computers required for their work
A lack of access to quality
education and resources.
5

39. Full-time designers struggle
without proper client
requirements, creating designs
without a clear purpose.
6

40. Many designers reported that their
management lacks knowledge of
the design process.
7

41. Recommendations

42. Clients need awareness of the
significance of originality and the
benefits of collaboration
1 Client Education

43. Designers need to communicate
the time required for high-quality
designs to management.
2 Time Management

44. Promote a collaborative
environment between clients,
designers, and management
3 Communication and Collaboration

45. Designers should be motivated to
use human-centered design
methodologies
4 Human-centered Design
Methodologies

46. Designers should be given access
to quality education and training in
human-centered design.
5 Education and Training

47. Designers should be encouraged
to continuously learn to stay
updated with the latest design
trends and tools.
6 Professional Development

48. Designers should engage in active
collaboration with clients and other
stakeholders to understand their
needs.
7 Collaboration with Clients

49. Management should be educated
about the importance of human-
centered design and the advantages of
incorporating user research into the
design process.
8 Management Awareness

50. Designers should establish clear
contracts and agreements with clients,
including payment terms and project
expectations, to ensure that both
parties are on the same page.
9 Clear Contracts and Agreements

51. FUTURE RESEARCH
OPPORTUNITIES

52. Broaden the scope to include
clients and management for a
comprehensive understanding of
design process factors.
A

53. Explore the adaptation of human-
centered design for different
countries and cultures.
B

54. Consider alternative data
collection methods like
ethnographic observation for a
deeper understanding of
participant experiences.
C

55. REFERENCES

56. American Psychological Association. (2017). Ethical
principles of psychologists and code of conduct (2002,
amended effective June 1,
2010, and January 1, 2017). Retrieved from
http://www.apa.org/ethics/code/index.html
Creswell, J. W. (2018). Research design: qualitative,
quantitative, and mixed methods approach. Sage
Publications.
Patton, M. (2015). Qualitative research & evaluation methods.
Sage Publications.
Norman, D. (1988). The Design of Everyday Things. New
York: Basic Books.

57. Thank You!
USERHUB.COM.BD