An evaluation of the implementations and outcomes of human-centred design : a case study of Warwick Junction.
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Date
2016
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Abstract
In recent years, the practice of design has moved towards human-centred design, and has
been applied to a variety of fields, including development. This research provides an evaluation of
the implementations and outcomes of human-centred design, using the case study of Warwick
Junction in Durban, South Africa.
Between 1995 and 2008, the Warwick Junction Urban Renewal Project took place, and
using human-centred design introduced design interventions that improved the lives of traders in the
area through consultation and participation. However, in 2008, despite the success of this initiative,
this approach of human-centred design was abandoned in Warwick Junction. Drawing on available
research on human-centred design as well as data collected through independent research and
interviews with traders, municipal officials and designers, the implementations and outcomes of the
Warwick Project are explored.
This study illustrates the factors that are necessary for human-centred design to be
implemented in a development context: an environment that encourages change and creative
problem-solving; autonomy; observation of the end-users; and a desire to create systemic,
sustainable change. With Warwick Junction as a case study, this research identified how humancentred
design was used during the Warwick Project through processes such as interdisciplinary
teamwork, area-based management, trader consultation and participation, prototyping of design
interventions and designers fulfilling the role of facilitators.
The findings suggest that if human-centred design is to be used in a development context,
participation of the end-users is necessary, human-centred design must be advocated for by all
parties involved, and finally, the practice of human-centred design must be continued and
incorporated into common practice and policy changes in order for design interventions to be
sustained beyond the implementation phase.
Description
Masters in Development Studies. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College 2016.
Keywords
Design -- Human factors -- South Africa -- Durban., Urban renewal -- South Africa -- Durban -- Citizen participation., Community development corporations -- South Africa -- Durban., Theses -- Development studies., Warwick Junction, Durban.