User-Centered Design

This is a framework that I definitely used “accidentally”, unaware of its ties to UX design at the time. It is very intuitive — and this graphic from Google shows you just how simple it is:

This is my default approach to UX projects, because it really does work well for a breadth of design projects. Because I mostly design and build websites, this framework makes the most sense for me. Here are the steps and what they entail:

• Understand the user: During this phase, user interviews and research are conducted. This is a chance to gather deep knowledge on users, and understand what they think and feel when using the product. This goes beyond demographics, and requires empathetic thinking.
• Identify user needs: Based on the user research, problems become uncovered. Identify these challenges — they are what are impeding users from making a purchase, learning more about your business, and more.
• Design possible solutions: This is my favorite part — the problem-solving! This is when ideas are formulated and honed, and when I design mock-ups, otherwise known as wireframes, of the website. This helps prototype possible solutions.
• Evaluate your design: In this final piece of the framework, it is crucial to go back to the user. Is your freshly designed solution going to meet their needs? Are you addressing how the user will think and feel when using the new design?

Design Thinking

• Empathize: Much like the user centered design framework, the design thinking framework starts with tons of user research. Through interviews, surveys, analyzing web traffic data, and more, we get to know the user deeply.
• Define: This phase uses all the user research to identify the problem, and focus the project. You get to create a clear goal that will guide your team throughout the design process.
• Ideate: Again, this is where the creative fun begins. Based on your research, and the defined problem that needs to be solved, generate as many possible solutions as you can. This is really engaging with a group of people and a whiteboard.
• Prototype: As a team, select a possible solution and start prototyping. This could be done through wireframes on Figma or Adobe XD, or sketching it out on paper. There can be low fidelity designs (structure only), and high fidelity designs (looks and feels like the end product).
• Test: During the phase, the design process comes full circle, because you go back to your users with your solution. User testing offers recorded or observed behaviors and thoughts that help you to figure out if your solution is working.

Lean UX

This is a design thinking process that works excellently when trying to push out a product quickly. Lean UX is most likely used among startups, but can be helpful to any team that is lacking in resources.

• Think: Get started by learning more about your target users. Find stats, conduct interviews, and understand what problems users are facing.
• Make: This is when you begin prototyping and wireframing your product. Notice that unlike the other two UX design processes here, there is no formal identification or ideation phase — you go right into the fire! You’ll also need to create a minimum viable product (or, MVP) that you can test out among your users.
• Check: Now you get to test your designs out in the wild. Gather as much feedback as is possible, and go back to the drawing board to keep improving your product.

The Lean UX framework is fast-paced, and keeps designers on their toes. It keeps you focused on problem-solving and empathizing, which requires a high level of adaptability. It is certainly an exciting approach to solving design problems.