Prioritization and identification of key aspects are crucial. Although the process steps, based on design thinking, remains constant, the methodologies employed at each stage can be interchangeable depending on the assumptions, available time, and the progress of preceding stages. An example process looks as follows:
Firstly, comprehending the issue thoroughly is essential. This involves a detailed review of the task, engaging with the client, and occasionally consulting potential customers. Establishing precise objectives is essential for devising an effective solution. The crucial aspect is to determine the goals, input potential, and project constraints. Organizing knowledge, establishing a plan, laying the groundwork.
After defining the goals, my next step involves thorough research on existing solutions and, if applicable, an analysis of competitors. This process is instrumental in gaining insights into the product's strengths, unique value proposition, and provides a foundation for effectively showcasing its advantages. Essential is the selection of a research methodology among many available options, a choice determined by the nature of the project and the results of the previous stage. The research must yield results.
During this stage, I delve into a thorough understanding of project goals, identification of key problems, and the collection of essential user information. I conduct competitive analysis, create personas, and map their experiences, laying the foundation for the subsequent steps in the design process.
PERSONAS: I create personas based on data obtained from research, incorporating essential information relevant to research findings and project goals. This includes tasks the user wants to accomplish, their expectations, usage context, resources, technological proficiency, and ethnographic insights. I refrain from including unnecessary details such as their biography, shoe size;P, and other irrelevant information.
WIREFRAMES: The first tangible sketches and solution proposals come to life, either as individual wireframes or complete wireflows representing user paths. If necessary—for testing or presentations—an interactive and clickable prototype can be created using tools like Axure or Figma. This frames enables identification of vulnerabilities and provides the flexibility to make real-time adjustments to the user interface.
INFORMATION ARCHITECTURE: Determining the product architecture is a critical juncture that relies on the data we've gathered. Designing AI varies depending on whether users are knowledgeable about their needs or not. Industry nuances and numerous factors also come into play. Ideally, this stage involves users, employing additional methods like card sorting. However, if that's not feasible, we must incorporate the data we've already collected. It is crucial to incorporate cross-platform support in the product architecture, ensuring versatile user experiences across diverse platforms, including mobile and desktop.
USER FLOWS: User flows are pathways that describe how users navigate through interactions in a system, from entering to accomplishing a goal. In this phase, I focus on modeling user journeys through the interface. I analyze how users move between different screens, deciding on specific actions. Creating diagrams helps visualize the entire user journey, supporting the design of intuitive and efficient experiences.
Ideation is the process of generating creative ideas and considering various solutions to solve a specific problem. In this phase, I focus on creating innovative concepts and exploring diverse solutions to address particular challenges. I employ various techniques, such as brainstorming, to stimulate innovative thinking. The goal is to generate a maximum number of potential solutions before evaluating and implementing them.
Before commencing the design process, it is essential to define all components,
colors, radii, fonts, and organize clear documentation, both in the form of technical tokens and
descriptions detailing individual changes during iterations.
As mentioned, UX primarily revolves around information, and the design phase is the process of clothing the obtained and curated information in an attractive, readable, and understandable form.
Throughout the design process, my goal is to craft a solution that is not only visually appealing but also meets specific functionalities and user needs. This involves planning the interface, selecting colors, layout, and implementing the project in line with the latest standards. I strive to strike a balance between form and function, creating a final product that is both attractive and user-friendly.
During iteration, I focus on repeatedly reviewing, improving, and adapting the project, particularly when refinement is necessary. I analyze feedback and test results, making modifications to achieve optimal outcomes. The iterative process helps continuously enhance the product or project, adapting to evolving user needs and expectations.