I want to share something I love…
(hint: it’s the design process)
To be empathetic.
… because if we aren’t designing for our users, then what are we designing for?
First, let’s understand the user.
Who is the user / target demograhic?
What do they need to do?
What do they do?
What do they see?
What do they hear?
What do they say?
What are their gains?
What are their pains?
Continue to define the problem.
Defining the problem consists of continuous research on both the user and topic.
Some of my preffered methods of research are as follows:
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Interviews
Allow for gaining in-depth information on the topic from the perspective of the user. Great for further knowledge of user’s emotions, motivations and visibility on how the user interacts with the product.
Surveys
Exellent for gaining abundant amounts of both quantitative and qualitative data, as well as gaining information regarding user demographic.
Ideate possible solutions.
I truly believe no idea is a bad idea.
That’s why the following are some of my favorite ideating and brainstorming processes.
Sketch it Out
Keeping the pen moving keeps the brain moving.
What is the process the user goes through when interacting with the product? What are they thinking, seeing, hearing, etc and how should we consider these aspects?
Storyboarding
I love outrageous ideas. They’re fun and they get people talking.
When provocation is coupled with movement, it is possible to extract realistic solutions based on the shared principles.
Provocation
Now… we design.
Time to bring those ideas to life.
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An early version of the solution is brought to life. It should be developed enough for users to effectively interact with and get an initial feel for the product.
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This is the first opportunity to observe users and their initial interactions with the product. Is there a sense of physical and emotional connection between the user and the product?
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Based on test results, the design should be re-evaluated and improved. Continuously design, prototype and repeat the process until the design is successful.
Launch the design solution.
Let’s make it happen.
Iterate, iterate, iterate.
The design process is an on-going cycle.
The design process is continuous, even after launch.
As more users interact with the product and provide feedback, possibilities of further enhancing the design will arise.
Making small adjustments and refining the design over time will allow for continuous improvement of user experience.