Getting started on a new project can be intimidating. Thankfully as designers we have these tools to help us get the ol’ juices flowing.
User flows
Experience your product as the people using it would. Take screenshots, write notes, and press every single button you find. Document your journey in steps as you go and take notes.
Stakeholder interviews
Learn from your peers and customers. Find anyone that’s worked on your project before you, speak with your peers, and interview the decision makers on the project. Most importantly, get in touch with the people using your final product.
Competitor analysis
See how your product measures up and find some inspiration along the way. Start by identifying your direct competitors. Then expand search to similar products. Finally look for companies in completely different fields. Make a list of the defining features of your product. As you review each competitor: document the features they have, take notes, and add new features to your list that you find interesting.
Sales safari
Gain a unique perspective about your customer. Find people using your product without influencing them in any way. The best way to do this is to look up things they’ve said in the past by checking your forums, customer support requests, old surveys, and social media accounts. Look out for how they speak, what they think about your product, and what challenges they’re running into.
Inspiration boards
Capture your favourite pieces to inspire you throughout your project. Visit your favourite inspiration sites or use screenshots from your competitor analysis. Save images and arrange them in a way that makes sense to you. Make it really visual and physical. Print it out if you have to and stick it somewhere where you can see it from time to time.
Data analysis
Find out how your product is performing. Get familiar with tools like Google Analytics, mySQL data bases, and what ever reporting software your company uses. Understand your business performance metrics so you can figure out how you can make a real difference both for your customers and your business.
Communication
Keep everyone up to date with your progress. Share your findings as frequently as you can to spur discussion and gather ideas. It easier to get buy in when people are involved in the process. Get people excited by posting your diagrams, notes, and sketches for everyone to see.
Conclusion
What does your design process look like? Is there anything on my list that’s missing? Want to learn more about one of these in more depth. Reach out on Twitter and let me know.