If you’ve ever wondered what the UX/UI design process looks like, or what steps a designer takes before presenting their concept to you, this article will be valuable. Here, I’ll detail the processes that are standard for developing a digital product today. The field of UX/UI is rapidly evolving due to its high demand, so the information here is up-to-date at the time of writing. As for the future, we’ll see how it unfolds.
For Aspiring UX/UI Designers
This article is also useful for budding UX/UI designers seeking a deeper understanding of process structures and essential elements for beginners. Trust me, many of us initially believed the ideal process was straightforward: a manager assigns a task, and you, the designer, complete it satisfactorily and on time. We often describe the ideal process based on our current experience, not fully realizing how various stages of work can influence the quality and final structure of the product.
The Professional’s Perspective
When hiring a UX/UI designer, we expect this person to be knowledgeable about all processes and able to explain them if necessary. The truth is, UX/UI is a relatively new industry, and we’re still accumulating enough experience to structure textbooks and create guides. Even professionals often find it challenging to explain UX/UI processes clearly. Today, there are many variations of UX/UI processes affecting different products and outcomes in diverse ways. However, we’ve identified some essential stages that must be included in the digital product formation process. Knowing these stages will help you understand where your project stands on the roadmap and predict timelines, even if you’re not a designer. Or at the very least, you’ll stop wondering what UX/UI designers do all day. Let’s get started.
Step 1: Research and Analysis
Data collection
Let’s say you have an idea, such as adding localization to your website or developing an online store for big and tall men’s clothing to boost your existing business’s revenue. The first step for a UX/UI designer in this case is data collection.
Data can be gathered in various ways. If you already have an existing audience, conducting surveys among your current customers to validate your hypothesis is the most effective method. I’ve detailed how to do this in this article. It’s crucial to frame the task correctly at this stage. The way you formulate the problem will not only determine the final product’s appearance but also how many times you’ll need to revise it later. It’s essential to ensure that there is demand for your idea and that people are willing to pay for the product now. Competitor analysis is also a good option, but based on my experience, it’s most beneficial if these companies have a strong digital presence.