The Iceberg
graphic created by Sans Wu
Most people think of user interface design as laying out a screen, usually a beautiful, colorful screen. But that's like the tip of the iceberg, and if we only pay attention to that, we may miss the 90% below the surface that determine's the product's success with users.
User Centered Design orients us towards that lower 90% by:
- collecting requirements and inspiration from target users at the start
- circling back to users to vet key concepts and prototypes at early stages
Observing people solve the problem, seeing their creative workarounds and pain points, is one of the most surprising, humbling and delightful parts of our work.
Phase 1: Strategy
graphic created by usercenteredthoughts
Define the goal / design challenge
Understand the users and problem
- Stakeholder Interviews
- Competitive Review
- 3rd Party Research
- User Interviews
- Contextual Inquiry
Analysis
- Personas
- Use Case Scenarios
- Design Brief
- Plan, Timeline, Costs
- Deliverables
Phase 2: Iterative Design
Structure
- Flow Diagrams
- Site Map
Interaction Design
- Sketches
- Wireframes
- Prototypes
Visual Design
- Information Design
Phase 3: Communicate
Specifications
- Annotated Wireframes
Samples available upon request.