Radical Human Centricity: Fulfilling the Promises of Innovation Research

The methods used to study people for strategic and design innovation purposes are outdated and cannot provide the understanding needed to meet the requirements of design and strategy innovation. This book critiques these methods and provides directions to develop a radical human-centric approach to overcome their weaknesses.

Format: Hardback
Length: 250 pages
Publication date: 09 August 2022
Publisher: Anthem Press

The field of innovation research faces a significant challenge due to the inadequate methods employed to study individuals for strategic and design innovation purposes. These methods, either inherited from market research or simplified versions borrowed from other fields, fall short in providing the necessary understanding and grounding in people's lived experiences to meet the demands of design and strategy innovation. The world is becoming increasingly complex, and the impacts of innovations on people's lives and the environment are growing. Therefore, it is crucial that we strive to fulfill the promises of human-centered research through improved research practices and create positive interventions that enhance people's well-being while resisting the reductionist, damaging, and wasteful tendencies of design thinking research and human-centered design (HCD).

This book serves as a critical critique of the prevalent methods used in innovation research, highlighting their weaknesses and offering guidance on overcoming them through the development of a radical human-centric approach. It emphasizes the importance of understanding individuals' holistic perspectives, including their values, beliefs, and experiences, in order to create meaningful and impactful innovations. The book also challenges the notion that design thinking and HCD are inherently beneficial and suggests that they can be harmful if not approached with caution and sensitivity.

By adopting a human-centric approach, innovation research can become more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable. It can help to address the complex challenges facing society today, such as climate change, social inequality, and healthcare, by creating solutions that prioritize the needs and well-being of individuals and communities. Ultimately, this book aims to inspire researchers and practitioners to embrace a more holistic and empathetic approach to innovation, one that recognizes the value of human experiences and perspectives and seeks to create positive change in the world.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 229 x 153 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839985713