understand
Understanding demands for research. Before I start a project, I have to understand the topic, the industry and the overall problem. The most effective way is to talk to the users of the system, to observe them and to collect important information for the design process.
define
After identifying possible touch points and troubles people have with a system, hands-on designing can actually begin. Initial ideas are outlined and brought into a suitable form like wireframes or storyboards.
design
If the concept is perceived as possible solution, I begin to shape and craft interactions and interfaces. I mainly use Figma or Adobe XD for bringing scribbles into life, making them ready for the next step: prototyping.
prototype
Prototypes are essential for the design process as they give a realistic feel of the final product. They make a concept alive and seizable. Regardless of the fidelity, prototypes enable us to perform product tests with actual users in order to validate the underlying idea.
test
To find out whether the concept is viable and works as envisioned, the prototype can be tested in various usability tests so that learnings and insights can immediately enrich the next iteration.