PROCESS
From concept to completion, following a well-defined process ensures each project undergoes the necessary steps to craft and build a rewarding experience. Below outlines some of the steps I follow when working on product designs.
Define
Defining the need or problem will determine the direction of the project and the requirements for success. Who is it intended for, how will they use it, what are the features and functionality needed, and what are potential roadblocks? This first steps should include collecting data, competitive research and beginning to formulate testing methods that will best capture feedback from users.
Generating ideas, understanding requirements across the organization, and preparing testing/research are some of the exercises at this stage.
Distill
The next phase is collecting all of the ideas for features, functionality, and feedback then distilling what are the most essential elements for an MVP. This is crucial in determining what the most important aspects of your product are – and it is likely not everyone will agree. Utilizing relevant data, user testing feedback and research will help prevent internal assumptions overriding what the best experience for the user will be.
Identifying use cases and must-have features, analyzing data, and synthesizing research are some of the necessary steps at this stage.
Design
Once a clear direction for the project has been determined, the design process can begin. The goal is to create something that is both visually appealing and functionally intuitive for the intended user. Depending on the type of project, testing and research may continue at this stage as the design continues to evolve to ensure it is still meeting user needs.
This is a comprehensive phase that includes creating sketches/wireframes, user flows, design systems, interface framework, interaction patterns, and hi-fidelity prototypes bringing it all to life.
DELIVER
Once every pixel has been placed with testing and research feedback incorporated, it is time to deliver. Finalized design files, specs sheets and documentation can be handed off to the development team to begin building. But the work doesn’t stop there. Answering development questions and performing QA once the build is in production will help ensure the final product accurately reflects the intended design and experience.
Depending on the type of project, continued improvements may be identified as feedback and data is collected from users.
RECENT WORK
Charles Schwab - Digital Onboarding
DELL - eSupport
ABOUT
David Sprague is a UX Designer born and raised in Michigan. After graduating from Michigan State University, he traded in harsh Midwest winters for sunny Los Angeles beaches where he resides today.
He has previously worked with; General Motors, Charles Schwab, Toyota, Dell, FOX Sports, Red Bull, Break Media and Internet Brands.
While currently focusing on UX Design, he also has extensive experience with print, experiential, branding and presentation design.