A Quick Guide

understand who the end-user is, what their needs are, what the purpose of the application is, and how the user is supposed to engage with the system.

picture a visual design, or a graphic visualization of the desired look and feel. Incorporate elements of color, imagery and symbols that can connect with the audience and convey the intended message.

organize the information and structure the products and services (what is included and what features connect them) so they can be easily found and used. This will be the skeleton of the product.

create the most pleasant and efficient experience possible, based on an understanding of the optimal path for users to reach their goals within the product.

begin by building models of the users, environments, and workflows, based on the research carried out in Stage I.

sketch out the interaction framework, or wireframes. The big-picture structure of screen layouts, product flows, behavior, and organization may be defined on paper or on a board. In parallel, refine the visual and industrial designs. Once established, the wireframes are translated from sketches to actual screens.

have users test out tasks on prototypes. Note any questions, sources of confusion, or issues, and incorporate them into design changes in the next iteration.

combine the polished interaction and visual elements with the information architecture, styled with a look and language specific to your product and applied to design and development.