Numerous methods, methodologies, approaches, techniques and tools have been developed over the years to ensure successful accomplishment of information system development (ISD) projects in terms of user satisfaction. However, different methodologies and approaches perceive the user differently; sometimes the user is seen as an anonymous 'object' that is going to use the system, or as an evaluator confirming the correctness of the design, or even as a critical contributor along the way to user-friendly information system. Each of these approaches has their own benefits from the ISD point of view but they lack a holistic view of the user. In this paper, we will review the trajectories of ISD approaches and elucidate the nuances of human-centredness in ISD. We aim at offering a holistic picture that illustrates an overview of different understandings of the user in ISD, so that, first, the systems designers' awareness about the user in general is increased, and second, future research directions are portrayed to the researchers.