Dynamic tactics for an ever changing landscape. Iterative and agile. Awesome products, systems, and experiences aren’t born they’re made. Here’s a small glimpse of how it happens.
These particular stages of the design process are flexible. Each is deployed at strategic times and also takes context into consideration. Successful projects will visit some of the stages more than once.
Research
Cultural Probes, Interviews, Journals
Research takes many forms that help to question our assumptions. Whether engaging users to define or discover an opportunity, or testing prototypes and gaining insights people are one of design’s greatest resources.
Ideation
Pencils, Post-its, Ideas
Sharing and building ideas, designers seek to create new things. Strategies are myriad, but a structured approach can get the most out of these collaborative efforts. Often the way forward will emerge from these initial sessions among interdisciplinary teams.
Sketching
Napkins, Whiteboards, Paper
Once there’s the kernel of an idea, we begin pushing it further. Nothing moves as fast as a pen and paper. Remaining flexible early allows us to explore possibilities and pitfalls with minimal risk.
Mapping
Systems, Flows, Users
Slightly more refined, we begin envisioning the system system as a whole. Informing it with insights from research and design patterns, we create a framework that can be used to guide the development of prototypes.
Prototyping
Make, Test, Refine
The best way to evaluate an experience is to build a working prototype and get it into the hands of users. From responsive prototypes to sketching in hardware, these tactics also provide valuable feedback to the project team.