Design methods for developing services

This is a brief introduction to why design methods can be useful when developing services.

Service design is all about making services usable, easy and desirable. To design a great service, it's important to have service users in mind: are they staff, suppliers or customers? Using design tools and methods can deliver an in-depth understanding of user behaviours, their likes and their needs, which can enable new solutions to be developed. 

This guide was developed to inform two design challenges – Independence Matters and Keeping Connected – which aimed to create services enhancing independent living and quality of life for older adults.