Design Process
An adaptable design process that can fit within any methodology whether it be lean, agile, or scrum.
Overview
All clients have their own needs and requirements, I employ an adaptable design process that can fit within any methodology whether it be lean, agile, or scrum. Good design takes time and requires careful consideration, I typically start with sketches in a notebook or begin designing straight in the application.
A design process provides the backbone to efficient and effective problem solving by breaking down problems into a series of interconnected systems. A single screen can have dozens of components, states, hidden elements, scenarios, and transitions that can't be contained within a single mockup. The design process breaks this down and provides me with a holistic overview.
I have created a few key stages to my process. There are many factors that can influence this process such as time constraints, developmental feasibility, and pivoting that can affect the outcome of each stage. Through each of these steps there will be feedback and approval from the client as needed. I have listed the key stages below to my design process and how I approach a project.
Process
User Needs
1. Discover the clients' needs, business goals, and history of the company.
2. Communicate with the client about the needs of the user.
3. Meet with developers to understand the technical resources available.
4. Determine milestones and map out the goals that align with the budget, deadlines, and technical resources.
Brainstorming and Discovery
1. Explore the needs and wants of the user.
2. Conduct competitive market analysis.
3. Gather required resources and information for the project.
4. Begin sketching out ideas
Product Design
1. Break down the epic into smaller, actionable goals.
2. Review established UX patterns and conduct additional user research.
3. Utilize user flows and diagrams to achieve each goal in smaller, easier to digest steps.
4. Begin creating wireframes based on gathered data and the current design system.
5. Determine various states for each step and wireframe such as 'error', 'incomplete field', etc.
6. Always keeping an open and inqusitive mind towards the current capabilities of the design system and looking for ways to improve and expand upon it.
Visual Design
1. Explore current visual design patterns.
2. Experiment with different styles, colors, and typography to find the optimal design.
3. Work within the current design system and add components as needed.
4. Keeping open communication with developers to ensure consistency and assistance when needed for properties such as size, style, positioning, and motion.
5. Determine various states for each step and wireframe such as 'error', 'incomplete field', etc.
Prototyping & Animation
1. Determine the start, processing, and end state for each action.
2. Build interactive prototypes for the client and engineers to demonstrate motion, feedback, state, and context.
Testing
1. Finalize designs for handoff to developers.
2. Ensure visuals are on-brand, adhere to accessibility guidelines, and are within cultural boundaries.
3. Determine whether visuals are adaptable at various sizes and desktop/mobile versions are consistent.
4. Collaborate with developers to determine any technical constraints related to the visuals.