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| 1: Define |
Apply the Double-Diamond model of design (divergence/convergence, UK Design Council) throughout.
Define the problem in terms of users and 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 Being on Time". Define 3-5 Personas (Consider persons from other cultures, those with disabilities). Identify design constraints and objectives. Set up an initial schedule for the other steps below. |
| 2: Research | Observe. Assess the Status Quo. Gather information from available sources: online, libraries, interviews with sample users (ethnography). Learn how others solved similar problems previously. Find related projects, websites, patents. Collect images, texts, objects that might help inspire the team. Refine Problem Definition. |
| 3: Brainstorm | Do one or two Better Brainstorming sessions to generate many creative design ideas. During this stage don't worry if your ideas are unrealistic: Remember: "Fail often to succeed sooner." |
| 4: Focus |
Narrow down the initial set of design ideas. (use the love sandwich).
Identify best ideas in terms of value, innovation, and feasibility.
Sketch three designs: Conservative, Intermediate, and Radical. |
| 5: Re-Evaluate | Evaluate your three designs in terms of the Personas from Step 1. Get input; solicit feedback / advice from typical users. Use this feedback to refine and combine best elements of designs from Step 4. |
| 6: Delegate | Evaluate team member strengths and assign responsibilities for next steps. Sub-teams provide ongoing feedback to other sub-teams. |
| 7: Prototype | Construct/Sketch a paper model and/or physical prototype. Develop diagrams, simulations, and/or physical demonstrations of how it works. |
| 8: Test Usability | Find 5 people (similar to your personas) willing to participate. Create a detailed questionnaire with key questions about usability, affordances. Explain caveats, ask them to Think Aloud as they interact with the prototype. Don't interfere: Observe quietly and take notes. Be careful not to influence responses. Solicit negative input: (ask for the love sandwich). Compile results, including Questions, User Profiles, Data, and Conclusions. Honestly evaluate the Usability. |
| 9: Refine | Incorporate insights and suggestions from feedback and Usability Tests. Return to earlier steps to revise designs as needed. Revise prototype accordingly. |
| 10: Present | Prepare a detailed presentation of your design, show how it emerged from Steps 1-9. |