Communication Design Quarterly Sep 2025 Open Access

Using Social Media as a User-Centered Design Tool: Types of User Feedback Useful for Iterative Design

Dorcas A. Anabire Utah State University

Abstract

This case study demonstrates that user feedback on social media is valuable for informing iterative product design for marginalized populations. Using content analysis, I analyzed 136 posts and comments from the reddit platform of a product (SteadyMouse) designed for people with Parkinson's disease. The analysis revealed four patterns in user feedback that may be useful for product redesign: technological details, embodied experience of the product, usage scenarios, and prioritization. While User Centered Design is often cost-intensive, this study suggests designers can intentionally solicit useful information from users in social media forums by offering a dedicated space on websites where product designers related to these four key topic areas.

Journal
Communication Design Quarterly
Published
2025-09-01
DOI
10.1145/3772174.3772176
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Topics
qualitative research social media body and rhetoric
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