My process

The process is the foundation of success. Trust it, embrace it, and let it guide you towards greatness.
- John Addison

As a designer, following a clear process is key to succeeding in a project. There are many design processes, like Design Thinking, Design Sprints, Lean UX, and Double Diamond. Which one should we use as a team or individually?

In my experience, I usually follow what the team and company prefer. We mostly work in an Agile way, and I find that Lean UX works best for this.

Before diving into the design process I use, I always keep a few things in mind:

1. Accessibility is crucial.
2. Technical considerations matter.
3. The duration of the project or feature.
4. Available resources.
5. Each iteration should lead to improvements, whether in UX, business, or other metrics.

Here’s the process I follow, though it can change based on the project’s needs and timeline:

Step 1: Understanding — Light 🔦

• Understand the Problem: This is mandatory and non-negotiable.
• Research: Learn from competitors, see what they do well, and where they can improve.
• User Interviews: If possible, talk with actual users to understand their pain points and goals.
• Build a Skeleton: Once everything is clear, start creating the basic structure.

Step 2: Iteration — Camera 🎥

• Fast Iteration: In fast-paced environments, iterate and test quickly.
• Lean UX: I’m a big fan of Lean UX, which involves thinking, making, and checking.
• Assumptions and Testing: Start with assumptions, make iterations based on expertise, and test with users.
• Crazy 8’s: Quickly sketch out ideas in about an hour. Read more.
• Next Step: Move to beautification.

Step 3: Design and Prototype — Action 🎬

• Add Personality: Enhance the selected iteration with details.
• Design Systems: If the company has a design system, use it to save time.
• Custom Designs: If not, create elements as needed, which might take more time.

Step 4: Delivery, Testing, and Measurement — Climax

• Collaboration: Work closely with developers to explain the design decisions, like color choices and placement.
• PM Involvement: If there’s a PM, follow their process for collaboration.
• 15-Minute Calls: Have a short call with the PM and developer to explain the design, followed by a shared document for reference.
• Testing: Use tools or in-person testing based on the team’s preference.
• Measurement: Use tools like Clarity, Hotjar, and Google Analytics to measure success based on predefined metrics.

This process sounds lengthy, but it’s not. It can be adjusted as needed. For example, if we need to quickly test an idea, we can skip some steps and go straight to design and development.

Connect with me on LinkedIn | Visit utsavsheth.in

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