My approach is tailored to fit each individual project's requirements. Once I have an understanding of the project I outline a strategy that can achieve the best results for both the user and the client. Below is a summary of the different processes and techniques I use to achieve great user centred design. This is not a waterfall approach, there is often overlap between the phases and iteration is key to my process, meaning each phase can be revisited based on user feedback.
A carefully thought out strategy and solid research is the essential groundwork or any great project. Depending on the project I use a selection of the following techniques.
– Competitor analysis
– Analytics review
– Stakeholder interviews
– User interviews or surveys
– User testing
– Heuristic reviews
– Content audits
From the data collected during the research phase this phase is about analysing the “what” to start understanding the “why”. Communicating these understanding back to the user helps to confirm that any assumptions being made are valid.
– Persona development
– User journey mapping
– Task modelling
– Card sorting
An iterative process, this phase is part of a feedback loop revisiting previous phases and building on user feedback to achieve an end product centred around the user needs and project goals. The output in this phase is low-fidelity and semi-functional to ensure an agile process and avoid the time heavy and often highly contentious conversations of visual identity.
– Sitemap
– Wireframes
– Prototypes
– Moodboard
– First click testing
– A/B testing
– Usability testing
This is the high fidelity design phase. I favour a modular approach, to ensure consistency and provide guidelines to ensure a cohesive approach to future proof the project look and feel. Working closely with stake-holders and end-users to validate the high-fidelity version of the product and with developers to ensure the vision is achieved.
– High-fidelity designs
– Style guides
– Asset library
– Usability testing
– Beta launch
– User testing
This is a list of tools I've used recently but it continues to adapt and change.
