This article was written by Cennydd Bowles, a author of the book, “Undercover User Experience Design.”
He addressed that
1) The definition of UCD by comparing with UXD
UX design is the discipline: what we do. Precise definition is elusive, but most attempts focus on experience as an explicit design objective.
User-centered design is a process: how we do it. Again the specifics vary, but usually form shades of the same hue: <Research – Sketch ideas – Prototype – Iterate through testing>
2) Alternative design processes, including self design, genius design, and activity-focused design excerpt from the Jared Spool’s article 5 Design Decision Styles.
3) Weaknesses of UCD
Heaviness – takes longer than other design processes
Negation of style – trap of the commoditization of designers (Be more creative! There’s never just a single way to meet user goals)
Scientism – UCD is not scientific. Solutions applied to one context may fail magnificently in another.
Imbalance – Only the well-rounded designer who can fight for what’s the right while accommodating business reality will be seen a true leader.
After claiming that UCD was not the only solution rather an excellent candidate, he made a conclusion that designer should have the versatility to draw on other processes when suitable to certain context.
Chan Kim 