Understanding and utilising service design
An introduction to a field that has received too little attention
Reading time: approx. 1′ 41″

What is good service design and what is service design anyway?
Who should be involved and why?
How can a service be created that works seamlessly in both digital and analogue?
The answer lies in the design approach of seeing these two areas not just as connected and dependent, but as a unit: as a service design unit.
Features and benefits
With a new digital product, the analogue interfaces and points of contact with all stakeholders must also be taken into account. Here, service design has a striking and significant difference to familiar and existing solutions: It offers a high degree of innovation, consistent added value for users and stakeholders as well as a sustainable retelling factor. All this with the aim of making a positive user experience as an extension of the pure concept of usability tangible and proving it with the help of quantifiable parameters.
Processes and methods
Another crucial aspect of service design is the iterative approach, which enables continuous improvement. Through regular user experience tests and feedback loops, the design is continuously optimised and adapted to the changing needs of users. This not only ensures a high level of end user satisfaction, but also increased efficiency and effectiveness of the service. The integration of user-centred methods such as personas, user journeys and scenarios also plays a central role. These tools help to better understand the requirements and expectations of users and incorporate them into the design processes in a targeted manner.
Results and impact
This comprehensive and methodical approach results in services that are not only innovative, but also sustainable and marketable. Lean service design ensures that every touch and every point of contact – whether digital or analogue – becomes a positive and memorable experience that inspires and retains users in the long term.

UP 2016
2016
Oliver Gerstheimer