Our Design Methodology
Our user-focused business process is defined by a 5-phased approach in which each phase builds upon the prior.
The early phases begin with a clear definition of the problem and goals and a broad definition of the potential solution. With each phase, the solution is defined in more granularity, testing it along the way against both user goals and business objectives.
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PhaseCore FocusDeliverablesTools
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Research
The Research phase of the project is focused on clearly defining the project objectives and understanding the end user's goals and motivations.
By the end of the Research phase, we will have a clear definition of the problem or opportunity we are solving and who the solution will be used by.Site ObjectivesUser Groups & GoalsVision DocBusiness RequirementsStakeholder InterviewsSME InterviewsDocument ReviewsSite ReviewCompetitive ResearchUser InterviewsUser Observation -
Plan
The Plan phase of the project is focused on clearly defining the project requirements and how the users think about and interact with the project's domain.
By the end of the Plan phase, we will have constructed a Conceptual Model for a possible solution.Feature/Function SetUse/User ModelsBusiness/Technical ConstraintsPersonasContext ScenariosRequirementsConceptual ModelAnalyticsKeyword ResearchTech Interviews -
Architect
The Architect phase of the project is focused on defining relationships and flows between content and functions.
During this phase the solution begins to take shape in the form of Wireframes, Flow Diagrams and Content Documents.RelationshipsFlowsNavigationNomenclatureInterface FrameworkSite MapFlow DiagramsInitial WireframesContent DocumentTask AnalysisCard SortingLabel TestingCompetitive Research -
Design
The Design phase of the project is focused on details of the user interface and interactions.
During this phase the solution comes to life with Detailed Wireframes, Visual Design Comps and potentially HTML Interface Templates.Interface DetailsInterface Development FeasibilityDetailed WireframesVisual Design CompsKey-path ScenariosInterface TemplatesCognitive Walk-throughsPaper PrototypingHTML Prototyping -
Refine
The Refine phase of the project is focused on perfecting the solution. Final usability testing and workability validation is performed and the solution is iterated to accommodate any last issues or needs.User ValidationDetail WorkabilityUI SpecificationStyle GuideTask-Based Usability Testing