The past week I have been doing some tedious genealogy research so that I can include some graphics on the percentages of different racial heritages of my baby to include in the infographic announcement I am making of her. I have only done the research in my free time, I haven’t started to design yet.
On a separate note, I did write some thoughts down about my user experience design process. Here is a rough draft:
- Problem framing. Framing problems is crucial in the beginning. As Aristotle said, “a small error in the beginning will lead to a large error in the end”. I ask as many questions as possible to understand the user’s point of view and the business’s point of view and see where the goals of each are aligned. I try to come up with metaphors from nature or other disciplines that relate to the problem I am trying to solve. A big part of identifying the problem is developing a persona based on research.Clearly identifying the problem is the foundation upon which all progress rests.
- Thinking by sketching. I get ideas on paper as quickly as possible. I develop a general framework and I collect general interaction patterns that could be used across the product/system. I try to lock down some general concepts in sketch form before I design on the computer.
- Transform sketches into wireframes. I collaborate with engineering to understand technical constraints. I iterate the wireframes through testing. I review the foundations I developed in step 1.
- Detailed visual design. I ensure that the company brand is implemented. I refine the interactions and try to integrate the visual vocabulary with product functionality.
- Follow through. I make sure the designs are implemented correctly. I provide support to engineering when needed. I never stop testing and improving the quality of the product.