These are more conceptual approaches. Generally, each project may employ multiple approaches.

User-centered design

• User is best source for needs
• User is the measurement guide to the designer
• Designer’s role is to translate the users’ needs and goals into a design solution

Activity-centered design

• Focuses on behavior surrounding tasks
• User play a significant role but it is their behavior rather than their goals and needs that are most important

Systems design

• Holistic view
• Focuses on context
• The system is the center of attention
• The users’ role is to set the goals of the system

Genius design

• Relies on the creativity of the designer
• Users’ role is to validate ideas generated by the designer
• Users are not involved in design process