Project Overview
This activity took a fresh look at empathy as a hands-on design practice, moving away from just feeling sorry or guessing. We aimed to see users as real people with their own needs, limits, and backgrounds, and to design with them, not just for them. Through chatting, observing, and a bit of creative thinking, this task pushed me to think beyond the usual human-centered approach and explore empathy from a new angle. By choosing a non-human user and imagining their daily needs, I learned the importance of listening, questioning our assumptions, and turning those insights into design choices. The end result shows how empathy can shape not just how a design works, but also its vibe, communication, and care.
Reflection
This project really drove home that empathy in design isn't just about feeling bad for someone, it's about being patient, curious, and ready to question what we think we know. Designing for a non-human user made me really dig into the context and communication, and think about what I was responsible for, instead of just going with the usual stuff. It showed me how even little design choices, like the words we use, warnings, and visuals, can show how much we care. All in all, this exercise boosted my understanding of empathy as a key tool in design, leading to more thoughtful, inclusive, and purposeful results.