Creating a convenient yet enjoyable experience for users is at the forefront of every designer’s vision. To achieve this objective, UX designers adopt certain methods and techniques which break down this process into multiple steps. With this, it becomes easier to quantify the amount of work done and ascertaining the overall progress of the project.
Let us check out some of the most common UX design methods and techniques used by designers.
Value Proposition
This retains the first position for a reason. UX designers use a value proposition statement to define the primary characteristics of the product.
- What is it?
- It’s usage?
- The audience?
This initial phase is critical in mapping the direction of the design process and reaching an agreement regarding the nature of the product. Designers must churn out maximum detail (to curate) during this phase.
Product Strategy
This step is essential for providing details regarding the life cycle of the product and its additional development. It allows the designers to match the attributes of the product against the requirements of the target audience.
Competitors Audit
You just can’t start developing a product without observing what your competitors are offering. Even though this is a ‘no brainer’ for most, it is important to establish concrete comparisons with other products, existing or upcoming. The crux of conducting this audit is to observe the strategies adopted by market competitors and leaders.
Group Observation
Using data to leverage the design process, UX designers conduct cultural probes wherein they gather information regarding the expectations, thoughts, and values of the end-user. This technique comes handy in inspiring designers to chalk out new ideas. The data is collected through minimal interruption but it assists UX designers to foresee upcoming opportunities when it comes to their product.
If this phase progresses effectively, the designers can enjoy access to deepest user-based insights.
Usability Testing
This technique is profoundly liked by every designer. It involves observing users when they carry out tasks using the product. Provided the designers have access to the right mix of end-users, this technique can help deduce actionable insights into the expectations of users and clients. The feedback accumulated using this technique is like real-time data generated by users which is impossible to refute.
Such usability tests have the knack of rendering results instrumental in deciding the future course of action.
User Personas
Considered as a fictional representation of the target audience, user personas are designed to predict the goals of the user along with their attitude whilst using the product in the future. Backed by research, user personas are developed to standardize the expectations of a specific user base. This assist designers to have an image of the end-user in mind whilst designing and finalizing the specifics of the product.
There are several other techniques and methods used by designers but these are some of the most important ones, that have helped in generating valuable data for concluding UX projects.