IDEATE

Based on the data from the Define phase, we can with a lot of confidence create storyboards, mock-ups and prototypes as needed so that we can work with our users to craft the optimal experience through a series of formative and summative usability testing sessions.

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This is where UX really shines and a lot of our skillset is being flexed. For formative testing, sometimes we can just use static, black and white mock-ups so as not to distract the user on a finer point. These low-fidelity materials help us to understand the benefits of one layout over another or just to grasp if a general concept is easily understood.

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Then we will work our way down to the details of design and how we've solved the problem in various ways and then check back with the users before we invest too much time and preference to make sure we're hitting the mark.

 

We don't need to test everything. Some parts of design should be owned and driven by the designer to the benefit of the user. Think of how Apple has locked down and standardized aspects of their design. This is what enables fast adoption and intuitive use. There is a pattern and expected behaviour in this that users want and need.

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Once the designs are setting into place, you may decide to do summative testing which is focused on measuring the quality of the workflows using factors like time to complete a task or asking users  if they believe they've completed a task correctly or simply how much they love using your design.