Process.
How it all starts.
Every project is different. They have their own unique problems which requires their own unique solutions. Ideally, we could use UX principles to design the perfect solution for our users that meets all of their needs. In reality, that isn’t so feasible as we balance constraints, business KPIs and objectives, and the ever-present pressure to get a product out in a timeframe that’s always a bit too short. As a UX Designer, we must advocate for our users through research to ensure their needs are met.
To do this, I adhere to the Double Diamond Process as a north star throughout my work.
Research.
Research begins with divergence. Throughout the research phase, I always have the initial problem in mind and go from there.
Some of the methods that I have used for research include:
Contextual Inquiry
User Surveys
User Interviews
Data Analysis
Competitive Analysis
Synthesize.
To get to the point where I can validate the problem, I synthesize my research findings to draw themes and commonalities.
Some of the methods that I have used to synthesize research include:
Affinity Mapping
Card Sorting
User Personas
Sitemaps
User Flows
Ideate.
During the ideation phase, I begin brainstorming possible solutions to the problem that was validated through research.
Some of the methods that I have used for ideation include:
Sketching
Rapid Prototyping
Design Sprint
Design Studio
Prototype.
Once I have a more concrete solution, I coalesce the ideas and begin to prototype it.
Some of the methods that I have used in prototyping include:
Low-Fidelity Wireframes
High-Fidelity Prototypes
Iterative Design through Usability Testing