Design Process & Approach
Although there is no one size fits all formula, every design method shown here drives clarity. Clarity builds momentum so that teams can quickly make decisions that ensure feasibility and a beneficial user experience.
UX Strategy
Understanding the user journey and diagnosing the key challenges that users face is the foundation to a solid UX strategy. I use systematic mapping to inform guiding principles and to identify key moments when design can elevate the user experience. Identifying these interventions grounds strategy in reality, and allows us to evaluate potential actions for feasibility and impact.
Market analysis
Trend forecasting and competitive analysis enable teams to make strategic choices. I use these kind of forecasting tools to establish and narrow form and interaction directions, understand competitive forces, and to try to predict where the experience landscape might shift.
Design language
Design language drives alignment within a particular direction, including overall impressions, form, interaction types, detailing, material choices, and lighting. I use design language boards to understand distinct directions, explore possibilities, and build agreement early in the project process.
Sketching
Sketching is a quick way to develop concepts and compare directions. I use sketching to explore ideas, user scenarios, initial form directions, and design details.
Experience Prototypes
By simulating a proposed user experience, we can gain insights beyond the things we learn from static appearance prototypes. I use experience prototypes at different fidelities to steer teams toward solutions that function beautifully, instead of just looking beautiful. Without experience prototyping, there is no way of learning prior to launch if your experience goals will be met.
Storyboards
Storyboards help to define new experiences with space, light, objects, and touchpoints. I often use storyboards to better understand the steps that a user must take to achieve a task, to prototype an experience with animated elements, or to create a presentation of a proposed experience.
Form development
Form development is an essential activity when designing for manufacture. I develop form using sketching, prototyping and CAD, iteratively narrowing in on solutions that meet the design intent and manufacturing constraints.
Surfacing
Detailed surfacing ensures continuity of geometry and removes any undesired artifacts, like unplanned core marks or shadows. I use analysis tools, such as the zebra map, to build surface continuity.
User testing
User testing can validate developed concepts, services, and experiences. I always do user testing in some way; however, it is especially important to test complex systems and services to ensure that intended experience goals are being met.