In this phase I try to understand and explore the problem space by empathizing and finding out for whom, where and why the problem exists.
Secondary research, competitive research, study reviews helps to better understand the problem and create a certain direction and goal to conduct primary research.
In addition to user interviews, observations and contextual inquiries, domain knowledge and past research insights can also be gathered by interviewing subject matter experts (SMEs).
Empathizing and finding out for whom, where and why the problem exists.
Secondary research, competitive research, study reviews - to prepare for the primary research.
User interviews, observations and contextual inquiries - to understand the user and the real problems
Interviewing subject matter experts (SMEs) - to get insights on complex problems
Analyzing the data to find relevant information and identifying the patterns
Forming a well defined problem statement that serves as the basis of design decisions.
Narrowing down to the common/ key patterns and issues, creating personas, empathy maps, user scenarios helps to further understand the problem and share with stakeholders.
Success of this phase is marked when a clear, concise, and to the point “How might we… (HMW)” problem statement is formed.
Brainstorming ideas (diverge) refering to the HMW statement, to avoid going totally off track.
Involve the users in brainstorming sessions or design workshops as they have a good idea of what works and what doesn’t.
Creating a concept, that closely satisfies the key requirements, that solves the user’s problem to the maximum extent as initial start of design phase.
Ideating the details of a design solution starting with low fidelity wireframes of the solution to communicate it with the stakeholders.
Keeping the designs minimal, clean and usable. To achieve that, I find it important for the entire team to sit together, figure out the design system and keep the previous research tools like user journey map handy.
Starting with rough sketches and mid-fi designs is advantageous to make any changes at earlier stages before proceeding to high-fidelity prototypes.
This process can be started with any kind of prototype, be it paper sketches, wireframes, mid fidelity designs or high fidelity prototypes.
At any stage, the goal must be to be in sync with what user expects and wants and figuring out if anything is missed or misinterpreted.
It is essential to get the design evaluated by ‘actual potential users’ rather than SMEs, designers or stakeholders. It may happen that anyone’s personal thinking and experience may influence the design instead of what actual users want.
Many iterations can happen between Prototype and Validate phase, to add to the solution, remove from it or rethink it altogether and
generate the
