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My most memorable encounter with what I believe you are calling
"User-centered design" is when I was handed a remake of an antique
gumball machine in pieces and asked to illustrate and write the
directions for putting it together. I was also to illustrate the tools it
took to complete assembly. I was also loaned one that was put together so
I would know what it was supposed to look like when assembled.
After putting it together and writing and illustrating the instructions,
I took one boxed unassembled one to a 10-yr old boy and one to an adult
woman I knew and told them that they could keep the gumball machines
after assembly, but they had to tell me what if anything I had missed in
the instructions.
The manufacturer sold them for some years, I still have one in a cabinet
somewhere. It was also good for jelly beans. It was a fun project.
Happiness, joy & laughter to all
Jacque - Graphic Designer / Typesetter - Making Your Business
Easier since 1972 - Pen & Ink Renderings of homes & Bldgs.
& portraits from photos, Brochures, Ads, Flyers, Packaging, Business
Forms, Manuscripts, etc. - email: foremangraphics -at- juno -dot- com
Rendering Samples: http://www.abacus-es.com/foreman