What does this have to do with the UX design process?
What on earth is a UX design process, and how should you approach it? That’s probably how Belker would have responded if asked during “Hill Street Blues”, which aired on SVT in the early 80s. Belker was actually the UX designer in the series—though neither of us knew what that role entailed back then.
Known for being a “streetwise” cop, Belker was always out on the streets, understanding the real needs and problems of the people he encountered. He didn’t need a uniform to show where he belonged, and his approach was closely related to user-centred design in many ways:
Empathy
Belker was known for showing empathy towards people, whether they were victims of crime or suspects. In user-centred design, empathy is key to understanding users and their needs.
Attentiveness
Belker was always attentive to people’s stories and could read individuals to figure out what was going on in their lives. Being attentive and mindful of users' needs and motivations is crucial for a user-centred designer—insights often emerge from the fringes and in the spaces between.
Flexibility
Belker had a flexible approach and was open to adapting to different situations. In user-centred design, it’s important to be agile, to listen, follow, and adapt to users' needs and feedback.
Directness
Belker was known for being straightforward, telling the truth even when it was uncomfortable. In user-centred design, it’s essential to communicate clearly and openly with users to understand and embrace their feedback.
Enthusiasm
Belker was always enthusiastic about solving crimes and helping people. A similar enthusiasm when working with user-centred design helps ensure you’re always striving to create products or services that truly improve users’ lives.
GOTB (Get Out of The Building)
Belker spent more time out among the citizens than inside the police station. Engage with your users in the real world. Test and observe how they actually use your product or service in its true context.
Although Belker seemed like a lone cop out on the streets dealing with criminal gangs and complex investigations, at heart, he was a team player. In the same way, a user-centred design process is a team sport where different competencies collaborate smoothly to create products and services that meet users’ needs and motivations.
And hey! Let’s be careful out there.
