01. Combining Agile & Lean
I believe in combining the methodology of Agile development and Lean UX principles. You get the best of both worlds while the user and the company reap the benefits. It's the best way to align and collaborate across all departments while striving to achieve business goals and customer satisfaction.
02. Strategy & Process
UX is a process, not just a single piece in the product puzzle.
This is one mockup I've created to introduce my process methodology to new teams. I enjoy molding the strategy and initiatives around creating a design driven community and helping to create a design culture.
03. Research & Testing
If you aren't talking to users, you're not alone. It's a simple but vital principle that is often neglected. I have found different ways and methods to begin reaching users and getting the feedback that companies need. There is no one way to research and test designs, but you must find a way to get it done.
04. Analysis & Collaboration
While a UX Designer is a problem solver at their core, in a group or manager setting, they should mainly play the role of facilitator. The goal should be to share all the data and findings collected with cross-functional teams, invite widespread collaboration, and share knowledge of the user with everyone on the team; facilitate the conversation and strive to educate everyone. The best ideas come from these group interactions and help achieve team buy-in through open collaboration.
05. Design Deliverables
UX Design is much more than just deliverables but it is a key part of any designers toolbox. A few of my favorite tools include deliverables such as: personas, sketches, storyboards, user journey flows, wireframes, mockups and prototypes. I still prefer to put pen to paper before going to the computer and in keeping with Agile principles, it should be individuals and interactions over processes and tools, so inviting collaboration early in the process is important.
06. Prototyping
Prototypes come in many forms but are the best way to test designs with users and stakeholders. Whether paper prototypes or interactive ones, get something into the hands of your users.