Process
Human-Centered Design is the Mindset for the teams I lead
Design Thinking is the process that drives it
Empathize
Empathy isn't just a buzzword; it's the cornerstone of my design philosophy. I employ a multi-faceted approach to truly understand our users. From one-on-one user interviews to diving deep into analytics, I ensure that we're not just scratching the surface. My teams also make extensive use of empathy maps and user personas, which serve as living, breathing documents that guide our design decisions.
Define
Defining the problem is where the rubber meets the road. I'm a big fan of customer journey mapping and "5 Whys" analysis to peel back the layers of any issue. My teams and I often engage in problem-reframing workshops and use a problem prioritization matrix to ensure we're tackling the most impactful issues first. This isn't just about identifying problems; it's about setting the stage for meaningful solutions.
Ideate
Ideation is where the fun really begins. I encourage techniques like Worst Possible Idea and SCAMPER to get the creative juices flowing. We also use Bodystorming and Crazy 8s for rapid-fire ideation. The goal? To generate a plethora of ideas and then refine them into actionable solutions.
Prototype
Prototyping is where ideas take form. Whether it's quick paper sketches or high-fidelity prototypes in Figma, the focus is on rapid iteration. I'm also a fan of using Marvel and Axure for more complex interactions. The key is to fail fast, learn quickly, and iterate.
Test
Testing is more than just a final hurdle. I insist on identifying key metrics before any testing begins. We use task-based user scenarios and record sessions to capture both quantitative and qualitative data. Post-testing, we distill this data into affinity maps and insights reports, which are then presented to stakeholders to align on next steps.
Research Methodologies
Research methodologies are like a designer's toolbox; you've got to pick the right tool for the job. Here are some of my go-to methods, selected based on the project's goals, available resources, and tight deadlines. Each brings its own flavor of insights to the table, helping us get closer to crafting an exceptional user experience.
Card Sorting
Ethnography
Participatory Design
Task Analysis
Heuristic Evaluation
Personas
Wireframes
Competitive Analysis
Experience Maps
Mental Models
User Journeys
Storyboards
Usability Testing
Interviews
Surveys
Information Architecture