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Step
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Description |
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1: Define
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Define the problem in terms of user experience. Think as broadly and
creatively as possible: don't accept the assignment as given. For
example, if the assignment is to design a new Alarm Clock, you might
define the problem as "Design A New Way to Wake Up". Or better:
"Design a New Approach to Discipline about Time". Characterize the
user types/categories: what are their needs and goals? What do you
want these users to experience? Identify your design constraints and
objectives. Assess the Status Quo. Set up an initial schedule for
the other steps below.
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2: Research
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Gather information from available sources: online, libraries,
interviews with sample users and experts in the field
(ethnography). Consider how others solved similar problems previously.
Find related images, texts, that might help inspire the team.
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3: Brainstorm
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Bring the team together for a brainstorming session to generate 100
creative design ideas. During this stage don't worry if
your ideas are unrealistic:
Remember the IDEO dictum: "Fail often to succeed sooner."
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4: Vote
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Eliminate very unrealistic ideas in terms of constraints.
Summarize Top 10 design ideas on blackboard. Then allow members of the
team to vote and comment on these ideas, perhaps using colored Post-It
notes. Narrow down the initial set of design ideas.
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5: Focus
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Bring in one or two advisors from outside your team.
Ask them to honestly evaluate the top 10 design ideas resulting from Step 4.
Use this feedback to focus and refine the best design ideas.
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6: Delegate
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Break the team into sub-teams and agree on responsibilities for
refining/developing. Sub-teams should provide ongoing
feedback to other sub-teams.
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7: Prototype
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To convey how your best design ideas will be experienced,
build a model or working prototype. Use sketches and diagrams,
simulations, and/or physical demonstrations.
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8: Test
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Design a User Test. This is not to verify what you know, but to
really help you gain insight and refine your design. Design
10 Questions that will give you insight.
Bring in 5-10 representative users to test the prototype.
Record responses from each user:
Be careful not to influence responses.
Try to solicit negative input: don't look for compliments!
Compile User Test results, including Questions, User Profiles, Data,
and Conclusions.
Honestly evaluate the User Tests with the team.
If results are negative, go back to Step 3. If positive, go on to Step 9.
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9: Refine
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Incorporate insights and suggestions obtained by User Testing. Update
your prototype accordingly.
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10: Present
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Prepare a detailed presentation on your design, show how it emerged
from Steps 1-9.
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If approved, then Development begins..!
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