'user-centered' originates from the combination of 'user' and 'centered', where 'user' refers to the person using a product or service, and 'centered' implies being focused or concentrated on.

The term 'user-centered' evolved from the concept of 'user-centered design', which became popular in the late 20th century as a design philosophy.

Initially, it meant focusing on the user during the design process, and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.