We Are Not Users - Dialogues, Diversity, and Design
by Eswaran Subrahmanian, Yoram Reich, and Sruthi Krishnan
We Are Not Users: Dialogues, Diversity, and Design by Eswaran Subrahmanian, Yoram Reich, and Markus Helmer is a thought-provoking book that challenges the traditional notion of "users" in design. The authors argue that people are more than just users of products or systems; they are complex individuals with diverse needs, contexts, and perspectives.
The book emphasizes the importance of engaging in dialogues with these diverse stakeholders rather than just designing for an abstract "user." It suggests that design should be a collaborative process, where the voices of all participants are heard and valued. This approach recognizes the richness and complexity of human experiences and encourages designers to move beyond one-size-fits-all solutions.
The authors also explore the role of diversity in design, arguing that a wide range of perspectives leads to more innovative and inclusive outcomes. They advocate for a design process that is flexible, iterative, and responsive to the evolving needs of people, rather than being rigidly focused on predefined user requirements.
Overall, the book calls for a more humane and inclusive approach to design, one that sees people as co-creators rather than just end-users.
