How I explore
MY PROCESS
Empathize
I first start by conducting research to develop an understanding of the user of the product or service. Asking the right questions, then listening to people's responses, observing their actions and understanding their needs, aspirations, fears and frustrations will uncover meaningful truths and opportunities.
User research & Persona building
Getting in touch with the user helps with seeing things from their perspective. I use their answers to build out a persona which assists as a key to deciphering the required goals.
Define the Problem
Combine all the research I’ve gathered and extrapolate where the users’ key problem or pain points exist.
HOW MIGHT WE?
It’s time to bring clarity and focus to the problem space. Defining a problem statement helps to drive the design work.
Ideate to Create
Generate a range of crazy and unique creative ideas. This is where I come up with ideas and potential solutions for the challenge I am trying to solve.
This along with the next two phases work in tandem of each other, building upon new discoveries to further the design solutions.
Prototype
It’s time to build real, tactile representations for a range of the ideas explored. Sketching out the design concepts and arranging them to determine what will work best for the user.
Wireframes
Creating an interactive prototype from low-fidelity wireframes enables me to quickly get a tangible artifact into the hands of the user and start a conversation.
Testing Testing 1-2-3
Test early and test often. This allows me to adapt quickly which saves time and reduces risk. I return to the users over and over again to gather feedback in successes and misses in the design.
Sketches to Hi-Fi UI
Bringing different levels of the prototype to the user allows me to swiftly test and validate assumptions and design decisions, learn more about the user, and iterate as needed before proceeding further.
Implement and Deliver
After multiple rounds of user testing and iterations it is time to craft the final high-fidelity assets and deliver the final product.
At this stage I will deliver the final design, UI library and style guides.
“User-centred design means understanding what your users need, how they think, and how they behave – and incorporating that understanding into every aspect of your process.”