1. Research

    We recommend kicking-off each project with research focused on the business domain and the target user's needs. Interviews with company stakeholders, reviews of existing PRDs and MRDs, and competitive audits enable us to learn about the business, while user-centered methods such as contextual observation provide insight into user needs.

    What we deliver

    • - Research findings and recommendations
    • - Competitive product audit
    • - Personas and scenarios
    • - Product experience map

  2. Concept Exploration

    In this phase, we explore alternative interaction design concepts then select a direction based on user feedback. At this stage, the concepts often take the form of low-fidelity paper prototypes or simple click-through prototypes. Visual explorations of color, typography, and iconography can occur in parallel.

    What we deliver

    • - Interaction concept generation in the form of sketches and storyboards
    • - Visual language studies
    • - User testing findings and recommendations

  3. Design Development

    Next, we extend the selected concept and visual design to all of the user interface elements that comprise the product. The personas and scenarios from the Research phase help guide the process, ensuring that the designs meet user needs and support key task flows. Iterative user testing with a high-fidelity prototype or the actual product is strongly recommended.

    What we deliver

    • - Site map or application map
    • - Flowcharts of key tasks
    • - Wireframes
    • - User testing findings and recommendations

  4. Documentation

    Finally, we document all of the design elements into a UI specification and a style guide that can be used for future projects. The scope and level of detail will depend on the business needs outlined at the onset of the project.

    What we deliver

    • - Detailed UI specification
    • - Interaction and visual style guide

© 2012 Ginsburg Design