Richard Banks – Human Experience Design

This week on CAS TV, we hear from Richard Banks, principal design manager at Microsoft Research Cambridge, about the place and process of human experience design in the technological development process. In his role of designer, he works closely with software developers to ensure that products and software are designed to be fit for purpose.

As anyone knows, programming and software development relies heavily on design, and in particular human centred design, to make it not only appealing to look at and use, but functional and easily navigated by users. Without any design input there is no doubt that technology of all kinds would be less appealing and, more importantly less ‘user friendly’. In fact, with the growth of the importance of UX and UI design as disciplines in themselves, the designer often plays a more central role in the development of software and hardware than is often recognized.

In this interview Richard discusses the importance of design in the development process, how it is approached within Microsoft and why, as well as how, it should be part of Computing, as practiced in schools. In a straightforward and accessible discussion, he makes clear how fundamental design is to technological development and its links to a wider definition of digital literacy.

If you would like to know more about the role of design, as linked to user experience, this is a perfect conversation to begin to think through those issues and how it enhances the teaching and learning of computing at any level. Just as it enhances the technology we use and interact with every day. It is not too strong to say that the rules of design, from algorithmic, to functional, to aesthetic qualities, all need to be explored, learnt and practiced if we are to develop meaningful and useful digital artefacts.

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