A concept for a usability focused design method

Many user-centered design methods (UCDM) have been developed within the last decades. However, industry increasingly demands for a new-generation UCDM since only few of the existing UCDM seem to be applicable to the daily design practice. This paper first discusses the main criteria regarding such new-generation UCDM. These criteria are based on literature research. Based on the formulated criteria, the paper discusses the characteristics of a proposed road map based concept for such a new-generation UCDM afterwards. The UCDM's concept enables designers to define a specific design approach which fits best to the specific characteristics of the design problem and the design context in which the design activities take place. Finally this paper discusses an outlook on the further development of the proposed UCDM's concept. The next step will exist out of specifying the roadmap. Afterwards supporting the designer in using the toolbox will be the object of research.