Planning
Project Kickoff | Data/Market Analysis | User Stories | Red Routes | Planning Report
Any home improvement DIY-er knows the adage "Measure twice, cut once." This concept–that planning is important–applies to more than just 2x4s. I consider this the most important part of any project. Successful projects always start with a solid understanding of what needs to be accomplished. This understanding is created through user stories and flows informed by market analysis.
Exploration
Information Architecture | Moodboards | Wireframes | Prototypes
This is where the rubber meets the road. Great research, user stories and user flows won't turn into a great product unless attention is given to the exploration phase. This is where an idea starts to form into an experience. It's the blueprint of the house. And a great house can't be built from a crappy blueprint.
Design
Style Guide | Layouts | Hand Off
A product is an important extension of any brand, if not its central touch point. That's why the design phase is so important. Not only does it put meat on the bones of the skeleton created in the exploration phase, but it gives the product a character, a personality, and a tone. These are critical components of any successful brand.
QA
Acceptance Testing | Finalize Designs
As much as we designers like to claim that we are perfect in research, exploration and execution, there are times (few and far between) when we get it wrong. That's why the QA phase is so important. This is the time for us to judge what we've created. Was the idea good? Did we create a good experience? Was it built to the level of quality our users have come to expect? It's important that this phase looks at the experience with a critical eye.
Feedback
KPI Evaluation | A/B Testing | Surveys
A product is never really "finished". Launch just means that it's time to collect feedback, analyze it, and start the process all over again.
