Empathize
By listening, researching, and piecing together clues provided by multiple sources, we all contribute to illuminating the users true need. Discovering the right problem paves the way for designs that provide the right solution. This first exploratory step will contribute substantially to a successful outcome. Discovering as many outliers possible will help to fully bake the UX.
Define
The team crystallizes insights from their discovery into a clear, actionable problem statement that guides the rest of the project. The creative foundation is laid in the product requirement document (PRD) ensuring that the challenge is well understood and solutions are on target. Additional validating research may be required and confirmation bias must be avoided.
Ideate
Like lightning in a bottle capturing it can feel almost impossible. But with a little hard work and perseverance the idea will slowly evolve from words to reality. We start with broad strokes eventually honing the smallest micro interactions. New scenarios will be discovered along the way, and an open mind is vital. Blue sky concepts should be considered but properly vetted.
Iterate
Repeatedly refining and adjusting designs based on user feedback and testing outcomes, ensuring the final product meets user needs effectively. This cyclical approach encourages continuous improvement and adaptation, allowing designers to explore various solutions and gradually hone in on the most user-centric and efficient design.
Implement
Ready. Set. FIRE! Go! Go! Go! Launch that product! Or, maybe the team decides it should be delayed to provide time for the necessary quality assurance (QA) checks. Have as many bugs as possible been discovered? Have all the tests been done ensuring accurate data displays? Find and fix everything you can. Now is the time for action and not delays.
