Fast Co.: User-Led Innovation Can't Create Breakthroughs

Apple and Ikea demonstrate that user-centric design is a fallacy, argues this opinion column by design professional Jens Martin Skibsted. He insists that "user insights can't predict future demand," "user-centered processes stifles creativity," and that "user focus makes companies miss out on disruptive innovations." He also (anonymously) quotes members of the Apple design team regarding their view of user-centric design:

"It's all bullshit and hot air created to sell consulting projects and to give insecure managers a false sense of security. At Apple, we don't waste our time asking users, we build our brand through creating great products we believe people will love."

This is a healthy debate within the design profession. I hope it becomes a bigger and bigger debate, too. Read the full piece here.