(im)Perfect UX Design Process

or what would like it to be…

This was written some time ago as part of the application process for a Interaction Designer position in a well known company I won’t name.

The steps and flow of creating an outstanding User Experience:

Understand

Talk to people with knowledge on the subject. Ask the obscure points till they are clear as day. Collect all information. Analyze precedents, common solutions and situations.

Define

Find the goals to achieve. Define the strategy and methods to achieve this goals. Also the ways to measure success.

Know

Research and investigate the users of the system. Know their goals, aspirations, situations, backgrounds, possibilities, limitations. Sometimes creating “personas” to bring the final user closer.

Organize

Find and organize all information elements that the system will be managing. The relations between those elements. Also the hierarchy and order of importance.

Sketch

Create sketches, wire-frames, Hi-Fi wire-frames, task flows, story boards and other necessary elements to better understand and communicate the design decisions.

Architect

Select the adequate technologies to implement the solutions. Taking in count the limitations and the viability.

Prototype

Create interactive prototypes of the solutions to see if all elements are working well together. This will give a good overview and be useful to discover discordance.

Paint

Create the visual design according to the branding. Making it coherent across all elements and parts. Defining the look and feel, the atmosphere, etc.

Fly

Increase the impact by defining animations, transitions, motion and effects. This will reinforce the user mental model and metaphor. Don’t use only for the sake of it.

Implement

Using the selected technologies, implement the solutions. Using the later standards and techniques that make the implementation easy and faster.

Test

Collect information about the usage of the solutions. Try to measure the success/failure of the users, also other factors like speed, performance, flow, etc. Make A/B/N tests. Analyze all the results.

Cycle

Adapt and repeat the aforementioned steps to better adapt and match the market/users/business requirements. Been able to iterate and adapt is the key to deliver great and delightful solutions.

This process is not set in stone. Is a flexible framework that can be adapted to many conditions and situations. This process is always been improved with the knowledge acquired from previous iterations and external information.

Perfection doesn't exist btw.

Following this steps is how we perform design at Breezup, where we are redefining how people interact with fashion in the digital age.

Deeply analyzing the pain and making valid strategies for brands, boutiques and stores to reach and engage with their customers.