Navigating the Double Diamond: A Guide for Aspiring UX Designers

Double Diamond process is a concept that might seem daunting at first, but trust me, it’s a game-changer once you get the hang of it.

Picture this, you’re working on a new app, and you’re not quite sure where to start. That’s where the Double Diamond comes in handy.

This writing may benefit you when you’re working on a project. No matter if you’re Designer, Developer, working as Freelancer or a Full-timer, Double Diamond can help you to know in which phase you are in a project and what you can do about it.

It’s like a roadmap for your design journey, helping you navigate from the initial spark of an idea to a fully-fledged product.

Now, let’s break it down in a way that won’t make your head spin.

Double Diamond is a design that starts from Uninformed to Informed. As simple as it sounds, here is the guide to uncover the secret behind Double Diamond method in UX Design.

The 2 Double Diamonds

• First Diamond: Discover & Define
• Second Diamond: Develop & Deliver

First Half Diamond (Diverge)

Let’s start with half of the first diamond. We are truly at the beginning of the project, starting from scratch.

We conduct User Research, Interviews, Surveys, and Observe User Behavior.

This is where we gather as much information as possible about our users and their needs.

Here we Discover and Formulate Problem Statements as I did in my past article.

It’s a phase of low clarity but high risk, as we’re venturing into the unknown.

Diverge (Discover):

• This stage is about opening up and exploring the problem space.
• Designers gather information, conduct research, and collect insights.
• The goal is to understand the user, their needs, and the context of the problem.
• Activities might include user interviews, surveys, competitor analysis, and trend research.

Second Half Diamond (Converge)

Now we enter the Define stage. We take all that research and start making sense of it.

We’re looking for Patterns, Insights, and Key Problems to solve.

This is where we synthesize our findings and create a clear direction for our project.

The risk is still high, but we’re gaining clarity on what we need to do.

Converge (Define):

• Here, designers synthesize the information gathered in the Discover phase.
• They identify patterns, define the core problem, and establish project goals.
• The aim is to narrow down to a clear, actionable problem statement or design brief.
• This often involves creating user personas, journey maps, and problem statements.

Third Half Diamond (Diverge)

After you’ve synthesized & uncovered patterns from your research, you’ll diverge once again.

This is the Develop stage, where we brainstorm ideas, create wireframes, and prototype potential solutions.

We’re exploring different concepts that could solve the problems we’ve identified.

The risk is lower now, but we might lose some clarity as we explore various options.

Diverge (Develop):

• This stage involves generating a wide range of potential solutions to the defined problem.
• Designers brainstorm ideas, create concepts, and explore different approaches.
• The goal is to think creatively and consider multiple possibilities without judgment.
• Methods might include sketching, prototyping, and ideation workshops.

Fourth Half Diamond (Converge)

Finally, we reach the Deliver stage. This is where we refine our chosen solution, polish it, and prepare it for implementation.

We work closely with developers to bring our design to life.

We have high clarity and low risk at this point, as we’re working with a well-defined solution based on solid research and development.

Converge (Deliver):

• In this final stage, designers evaluate the ideas generated in the Develop phase.
• They refine, test, and iterate on the most promising solutions.
• The aim is to narrow down to a final design that best solves the defined problem.
• This often involves user testing, gathering feedback, and making data-driven decisions.

It’s not always straightforward in real world situation

Knowing all this is one thing, however in real world things are not always straightforward. Some projects might start on the Fourth Half Diamond.

The developer is expected to design in code. Usually it’s a seasoned developer with experience working with UX principles who can quickly prototype and iterate based on user feedback.

They might skip the formal design phases and jump straight into implementation.

And some other projects might already have the research done.

You’ll need to go straight to Uncovering the patterns.

This could happen if you’re joining an ongoing project or if the company has a dedicated research team that’s already completed the discovery phase.

Which phase are you on?

So, how to tell which phase you’re on? The answer is simple: prioritize. Look at the level of clarity and risk in your project. If you’re dealing with a lot of unknowns and high stakes, you’re probably in the early stages of the diamond. If you have a clear direction and lower risk, you’re likely in the later stages.

Remember, the Double Diamond is a flexible framework, not a rigid rulebook. Use it to guide your process, but don’t be afraid to adapt it to your specific project needs. The key is to ensure you’re addressing the right problems and creating solutions that truly resonate with your users.

In conclusion, understanding the Double Diamond process can help you navigate the complex world of UX design.

By recognizing which phase you’re in, you can focus your efforts more effectively and create better outcomes for your users and stakeholders.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or jumping in midway, the Double Diamond provides a valuable roadmap for your design journey.