My UX Process
When starting a new project, I usually follow some steps called the UX Process. These steps are essential to go thru to understand the client's needs.
There are no pattern of procedures to follow. Every UX Designer has its method, so don't take this as a rule, this is just my method of working and it's been performing well so far.
This process can be different in the future, as we learn and improve ourselves.
The first thing we need to know is learning to listen, understand the pain point is the key success to resolve any UX problem we face, without it, we are not able to improve any experience of the user.
When I say "learn to listen", I mean it. We don't need to open any software, it's more like an investigation process over your hands on the mouse. You need to listen to the product owner, you need to listen to the end-user, you need to listen to the team that is involved with the product, from the front-end to back-end guys, from the project manager to the quality manager.
With all that in mind you will be able to define the problem and help the users succeed in their experience of using the product, an app, a website, or even a restaurant door.
The Wireframes
After this process, you can start sketching some screens and collecting feedback on them. It's important to kickstart the solution coming soon along the process. After having the wireframe done with the flow, we can jump on the user testing.
The usability testing can be do in different ways, by observing, recording, interacting with the user, etc, it will be according to the strategy of the designer responsible for conducting the test and also based on the product that is been tested.
User Interface & Visual Identity
Once the flow is approved is time to design the high-fidelity version of the sketches. We will face two situations at some stage of our career when designing a user interface. We can be part of a project from ground zero and responsible for defining the colors, typography, icons, images, and illustrations regarding the interface design.
Still, sometimes we will have an existing product with a visual identity already created. This visual identity of the product should apply in the interface, which is a very careful situation we must deal with. Some typography won't work on the web, the same for some colors or graphic elements.
As UX/UI Designer we should know how to represent that identity in the interface without losing their style. Some typography just won't work in the digital/web universe, some images look great in printing but not on the interface, and a few other things we should be aware of. It’s important to keep an open line of communication with all parties involved - including product owners, key stakeholders, engineers, and the end-user.
and finally
Once the prototype is approved, the development process starts, but it doesn't mean your work is end. We will be supporting the developers by providing the design system, guiding them with the small interactions, and also be able to make any change that might happen along the process through completion.