What qualifications do I need to start a career in Human-Centred Design?

If you're looking to start a career in Human-Centred Design, getting a formal education in design is a great first step. Degrees or diplomas in areas like Graphic Design, Digital Design, or a Bachelor of Arts and Design will give you a solid grounding in the core principles of design. While there isn't a specific 'HCD Degree,' many design training programs include Human-Centred Design concepts in the curriculum.

According to Karen, having formal design training is key to specialising in HCD. A strong educational background provides the essential foundation needed to truly excel in this field. Bootcamp courses in HCD are useful if you have a good understanding of design, but they should never serve as your only training for design roles.

Craig Shepherd

How do I stand out to recruiters and employers?

If you want to stand out and land your dream job in HCD, you need to present your skills well. Our expert Karen told us to use plenty of white space on your resume, and keep it clean and well-organised. Highlighting key skills, abilities and experience in a concise way is always the best approach. Don’t forget about soft skills, such as communication and personability. A human-centred designer must interpret client needs, and being a people-person certainly helps.

In terms of training and qualifications, those with a background in design are always desirable. Having a formal education in design gives you the fundamentals required for these roles. If you don’t have the formal qualifications, you’ll need to showcase your understanding of design principles in a different way, perhaps by highlighting relevant industry experience and projects.

Craig Shepherd

Will AI affect a career in Human-Centred Design?

AI isn’t likely to negatively impact careers in Human-Centred Design, at least not in the near future. Karen believes that while AI can improve certain aspects of the design process, such as improving software tools, it can’t replace the human skills of creativity, empathy, and understanding user needs. The ability to interpret the needs of other humans is a job best left to humans, especially when considering design is a very user-centric field. As a result, skilled HCD experts will continue to be in demand, with AI likely enhancing the role, not replacing it.

Craig Shepherd