A single idea can become a reality in a hundred different ways, but identifying a solution that meets the users' expectations, the company's requirements, and takes into account the intricacies of human behavior is what I find compelling and fun.
Strategy
My process always begins with people and the ecosystem that a product supports. I like to start wide, understanding the space and identifying opportunities. Looking at the problem to be solved and framing it with different lenses to ensure we are targeting the right vision for the problem we are aiming to solve.
Research
Research starts early ensuring that the strategy and vision are validated and learned outcomes are documented. I love diving into the customer needs, how they think and what engages them. While I include research throughout my process this upfront generative stage is often the most critical in defining the scope of the vision for the work that will come next. I work hard to ensure a mix of methodologies and feedback.
Analysis
This is where I begin to look at boxes and arrows, the experience architecture. Defining and understand the flow of the user(s) and the product. I do this hand-in-hand with product managers, business analysts, architects and engineers to ensure we don't miss vital use cases. I enjoy creating a physical map for the team that facilitates discussion, convergence, and alignment.
Sketching
My ideas begin to take shape with pen and paper. I narrow my concepts from many to a few. This allows me to explore multiple options quickly and efficiently. I work to come up with at least two final options to present to the team for discussion.
Designs & Repeat
Next, I begin flushing out higher fidelity interactions and designs. I use a lot of different tools depending on the best tool for the goal of the project. I like to work with tools that allow me to prototype as accurately as possible, so that my team and I can play with the interactions test out how they feel.
At this point depending on time, the process repeats: I validate the designs with research, ideate on improvements, and update the designs until we have reached optimal level of quality for delivery.