DESIGN PROCESS
Navigating the design process is a nuanced endeavor. It often involves striking a delicate balance between a meticulously structured approach, characterized by well-documented tasks and strategic automation, allowing seamless collaboration within the team.
Yet, there's no universal formula. Imposing an overly rigid structure may stifle creativity, leading to generic and formulaic outcomes. This underscores the importance of maintaining a healthy equilibrium — a flexible process that can adapt to the unique demands of diverse clients and projects. It's this dynamic harmony that fosters innovation and ensures a bespoke touch in every endeavor.
ASK QUESTIONS
WHAT NEEDS TO BE KNOWN
Gathering crucial information, whether during the discovery phase, design kickoff, or initial discussions, is imperative. The chance to ask fundamental questions should be done early in the process to ensure thorough understanding and effective planning.
IS THIS POSSIBLE?
It is essential to integrate feasibility considerations into each design decision made during a project. Whether a designer possesses technical expertise or developers are directly engaged in design reviews, the key is to present clients only with options that align with the agreed-upon scope. This approach helps manage expectations, ensuring that what is presented is technically achievable and contributes to the overall health of the project.e.
WHAT IS THE POINT?
Defining objectives, both from the client's perspective and internally as a business, should be an early consideration. Are there specific KPIs or performance metrics the client is aiming for? If so, the process can be tailored internally to support those goals.
THINK VISUALLY
MOODBOARDS
Comparing a client’s potential future site to their competitors—whether in terms of branding, layout, or information hierarchy—is effectively visualized through a moodboard. This creates a tangible and interactive reference to guide the discussion.
WIREFRAMES
Wireframes provide an initial glimpse of a site’s potential in terms of page and content layouts. Their level of detail varies depending on the project. While grey boxes offer a basic framework, it’s essential to consider the specific content that will eventually replace them to fully understand the design.
PROTOTYPES
Interactivity is an excellent way to engage clients with their upcoming site. Whether through microinteractions inspired by other sites, click-through prototypes in Figma, or quickly assembled HTML CodePens, providing something clients can physically interact with is a powerful method to keep them involved and encourage valuable feedback.
HiFi VISUALS
This is the culmination of many prior processes—establishing a solid foundation for well-crafted, high-quality designs. These designs require time, and so do any changes to them. That’s why it’s crucial to build a strong foundation beforehand. Ideally, at this stage, feedback should be minimal, quantitative, and easily actionable.
FEEDBACK LOOP
INTERNAL/EXTERNAL FEEDBACK
All feedback is valuable. As a designer, it’s crucial not to become too protective of a project. It's easy to become narrow-focused on a single solution, so incorporating criticism and feedback is essential for finding the best approach.
CONTROLLING SCOPE
During design reviews, whether with clients or internally, it’s easy for feedback to stray into unproductive areas. While it’s important for people to feel involved and heard, feedback is only useful if it addresses feasible and relevant aspects of the design.
TESTING
USER TESTING
A fantastic tool for obtaining detailed feedback as well as qualitative insights on more abstract aspects, such as art direction and imagery.
A/B TESTING
A valuable method for gathering data, such as through Analytics, to provide a scientific basis for design ideas and help persuade stakeholders of proposed changes.
BUG FIXES
Essential for any polished product—testing for bugs across a wide range of browsers, systems, and devices.