Humanware

A buzzword for both hardware and software that are designed primarily around the end user experience and user interface rather than focusing on the task that the product is meant to accomplish. The design of humanware often begins with understanding the needs and limitations of the end user and working backwards to design the final product. Typically, a great deal of testing is done on the product to ensure that its design is enhancing the end user s experience in the desired way. For example, technology designed to aid persons with disabilities typically begins with understanding the needs of the end user before designing the product.