Understanding Design and Empathy

What is the main idea of the passage?

• Designers create products based only on their personal preferences.

• Good design is about making products look attractive.

• Designers must consider users' needs and empathize with them.

• All shoes are designed the same way, regardless of the user.

Answer explanation

The correct answer emphasizes that designers must prioritize users' needs and empathize with them, ensuring that products are functional and user-friendly, rather than solely focusing on personal preferences or aesthetics.

What does 'empathy' mean in the context of design?

• Feeling sorry for someone who is struggling.

• Understanding and considering the needs of others.

• Making a product expensive so that only certain people can buy it.

• Designing products that everyone in the world must use.

Answer explanation

In design, 'empathy' means understanding and considering the needs of others. This approach helps create products that truly address user experiences and challenges, rather than just feeling sorry for them.

Which of the following is NOT a step in the problem-solving process?

• Define

• Prepare

• Guess

• Reflect

Answer explanation

In the problem-solving process, steps typically include defining the problem, preparing solutions, and reflecting on outcomes. 'Guess' is not a structured step, making it the correct answer as it lacks a systematic approach.

Why is it important for designers to consider their users?

• So they can create products that are functional and useful.

• Because customers always complain about designs.

• To increase the cost of products.

• So they don’t have to test their products.

Answer explanation

Designers must consider their users to create products that are functional and useful. Understanding user needs ensures that the designs meet practical requirements, enhancing user satisfaction and product effectiveness.

What is an example of a design feature that meets a user’s needs?

• A basketball shoe with good ankle support.

• A hiking boot with no traction.

• A running shoe that is heavy and uncomfortable.

• A sandal made for snowy weather.

Answer explanation

A basketball shoe with good ankle support is designed to meet the needs of players by providing stability and preventing injuries, making it a suitable choice for the sport. The other options do not effectively meet user needs.

What does the 'I Like… / I Wish… / I Wonder…' approach help designers do?

• Complain about a product.

• Give feedback to improve a design.

• Decide whether to stop making a product.

• Make all products exactly the same.

Answer explanation

The 'I Like… / I Wish… / I Wonder…' approach encourages constructive feedback, allowing designers to gather insights that can enhance and improve a design, making it more user-centered.

Why did students in the activity match different shoes to different users?

• To prove that all shoes are the same.

• To learn that different users have different needs.

• To determine which shoe is the most expensive.

• To test which shoes are the most fashionable.

Answer explanation

Students matched different shoes to users to understand that each user has unique needs, highlighting the importance of personal preferences in footwear choices.

Which of the following is an example of reflecting on a design?

• Ignoring feedback and keeping the design the same.

• Changing a product based on user experience and suggestions.

• Creating a product without testing it.

• Designing a product without considering the user’s needs.

Answer explanation

Changing a product based on user experience and suggestions demonstrates reflection on design, as it involves considering feedback to improve the product, unlike the other options that ignore user input.

Which question would a designer ask when defining a problem?

• How much money will this product make?

• What challenges do users face?

• How fast can I finish this design?

• How many colors should this product come in?

Answer explanation

The correct choice, 'What challenges do users face?', focuses on understanding user needs, which is essential for defining a design problem. The other options are more about outcomes or preferences rather than problem definition.

How does designing with empathy help improve products?

• It ensures products are affordable for all customers.

• It allows designers to create products that meet users’ needs.

• It makes products more expensive to produce.

• It allows designers to create random products without research.

Answer explanation

Designing with empathy allows designers to understand and address users' needs effectively, leading to products that are more relevant and useful, which enhances user satisfaction and overall product success.