My Design Process

First and foremost, a process is only as good as it's outcome. All points of processes are kept fluid in order to adapt to the needs of a project.

The design process is a template, a set of reminders, or a point of reference. It is not a guide, it is not a solution, it is not an answer key.

With that said, here's the 4 stages I follow:

Possible activities staged under each phase:

Discover

Build an understanding: Broaden knowledge, build user empathy, learn.

  • Conduct user research (interviews, surveys, observation)
  • Identify user needs and pain points
  • Analyze the competition and market trends
  • Define project goals and objectives
  • Determine feasibility, including technical and resource constraints
  • Conduct stakeholder interviews to understand business requirements
  • Develop a product vision and roadmap
  • Create a project charter and brief
  • Establish success metrics and KPIs
  • Create a user research plan and schedule

Explore

Define the problem, wireframe, set goals.

  • Develop user personas and scenarios
  • Create user journey maps and task flows
  • Conduct user testing and usability evaluations
  • Develop user stories and requirements
  • Develop wireframes and low-fidelity prototypes
  • Design information architecture and site maps
  • Conduct content audits and create content plans
  • Conduct a heuristic evaluation of the current design
  • Develop and test a hypothesis

Test

Validate decisions, designs, and conduct feedback sessions.

  • Create interactive prototypes and high-fidelity mockups
  • Conduct usability testing and user acceptance testing
  • Iterate design based on user feedback
  • Refine user interface and interaction design
  • Conduct accessibility testing
  • Conduct usability benchmarking
  • Develop a comprehensive design system
  • Develop a style guide

Deliver

Details, handoff, and follow-through.

  • Develop visual design and branding guidelines
  • Implement the design system across all assets
  • Handoff designs to the development team
  • Conduct final user acceptance testing
  • Create launch plans and marketing materials
  • Develop training and support documentation
  • Conduct post-launch evaluation and analysis
  • Establish a product roadmap for ongoing improvements

Every part of the design process is important, each stage serves a unique purpose in achieving a successful outcome.