The Design Process is an approach to manage a project by breaking down into steps. Everyone’s design process might be different as there are millions of problems which we designers are trying to solve. As Lemonat we apply an iterative design process that includes seven essential steps to digital product design projects.
Essential Steps of Digital Product Design;
- Discovery
- Research & Strategy
- Ideation & Wireframing
- Mockup Designs
- Prototyping
- Asset Delivery & Development Integration
- Live Tests & Iteration
Also, each design process phase includes various review and discussions with stakeholders regarding project scope and time.
Discovery
Our design process always starts with information-gathering. We collect information that identifies the problem, determines the project’s goal and the client’s vision.
Research & Strategy
We analyse the reasons for the need and investigate who or what is affected. To consider the problem from the user’s perspective, we empathise by applying various UX research methods.
In addition, we perform market research to understand more about the client’s business and industry, target market and customers.
Ideation & Wireframing
Once we have a shared knowledge of the product goal, problem and needs, we brainstorm ideas with constraints and trade-offs considered. We bring new solutions based on technology and knowledge by creating wireframe layouts and interactions.
Mockup Design
People usually misinterpret the design word with mockup designs which are detailed and annotated results of creative work. Mockup Designs (aka Polished Designs) enables you to experience visions of the product.
Prototyping
Mockup Design output can exhibit how will the product look like, but it’s rarely enough to give a feeling of the user experience of it. An interactive prototype enables you to interact with the design and get a feeling of the product experience.
In this phase, we take advantage of conducting user tests to discover potential problems before the software development process.
Asset Delivery & Development Integration
Once the design and prototype approved by client, we deliver the design as sliced assets and guidelines. Also, we support development parties in every step of the dev process to convert the design into working codes easily.
Live Tests & Iteration
We know design is never done. Especially digital products require to be always updated and improved. We keep our eyes on the live product by observing the analytics data, performing live user tests and analysing the reviews. We iterate the design process to make your users happy.