You've got a brilliant UX design concept, and now it's time to bring it to life and create a comprehensive plan that covers every aspect of your design, from the overall layout to the tiniest micro-interactions.

ㅤ

Step 1: Detailed Design

Detailed design involves creating a comprehensive plan that outlines every aspect of the user experience. This plan serves as a roadmap for the entire project, ensuring that all stakeholders are on the same page and working towards a common goal.

ㅤ

A well-crafted detailed design document should include wireframes, mockups, and prototypes that showcase the layout, functionality, and overall look and feel of the product. It should also include design specifications, such as color schemes, typography, iconography, layout and grids to ensure consistency throughout the project.

ㅤ

On average, the detailed design phase takes up around 20-30% of the total project timeline. While it may seem like a significant investment of time and resources, it can pay off in the long run. Studies have shown that a thorough detailed design phase can reduce post-launch changes and fixes by up to 50%, saving time and money in the long run.

ㅤ

To create a comprehensive detailed design document, consider using templates and resources like the UX Project Checklist . These tools can help ensure that you cover all the necessary elements and don't overlook any critical aspects of the design.

ㅤ

__________

ㅤ

Step 2: Flow Diagrams

A flow diagram is a visual representation of a process or system, showing the steps and decisions involved. It's a great tool in the UX build phase, helping designers and developers understand how users will navigate through the product.

ㅤ

To create a flow diagram:

  1. Identify the key user tasks and goals
  2. Break down each task into a series of steps
  3. Use standard flowchart symbols to represent steps, decisions, and endpoints
  4. Connect the symbols with arrows to show the flow of the process
  5. Review and refine the diagram to ensure clarity and completeness

ㅤ

There are different types of flow diagrams, such as user flows and task flows. User flows focus on the overall journey a user takes through the product, while task flows detail the specific steps required to complete a single task.

According to a survey by Smashing Magazine, 80% of successful UX projects include a flow diagram in their build phase. Projects that use flow diagrams are completed up to 30% faster, as found by a study from the UX Design Institute.

ㅤ

Some popular tools for creating flow diagrams include:

  • Lucidchart
  • Miro
  • Figma
  • Sketch
  • Overflow

ㅤ

By incorporating flow diagrams into your UX build phase, you can improve communication among team members, identify potential issues early on, and create a more efficient and user-friendly product.

ㅤ

__________

ㅤ

Step 3: Prototyping

Prototyping is a very important step in the UX build phase. It involves creating a working model of your design to test and validate your ideas before moving into full development.

ㅤ

Here's how to create a prototype:

  1. Choose the right fidelity level. Low-fidelity prototypes are quick and easy to create, while high-fidelity prototypes are more detailed and interactive.
  2. Select a prototyping tool. Popular options include Figma, Adobe XD, and InVision. Choose one that fits your needs and skill level.
  3. Create your prototype. Start by importing your design assets and adding interactivity. Use the tool's features to create clickable buttons, transitions, and animations.
  4. Test your prototype. Share it with your team and stakeholders to gather feedback. Observe how users interact with it and note any areas for improvement.
  5. Iterate and refine. Based on the feedback, make necessary changes to your prototype until it meets the project's goals and user needs.

ㅤ

Did you know that up to 90% of UX issues are identified and resolved during the prototyping phase? By catching these issues early, you can save time and money in the long run.

Plus, prototyping can reduce overall project costs by up to 50%. It allows you to test and validate your ideas before investing in full development, reducing the risk of costly mistakes.

ㅤ

By following these steps and leveraging the right tools, you can create prototypes that effectively communicate your design vision and ensure a successful UX build phase.

ㅤ

__________

ㅤ

Step 4: Detailed Documentation

Detailed documentation is crucial in the UX build phase. It ensures that all team members are on the same page and reduces the risk of misunderstandings and errors.

Include design specifications, style guides, and any other relevant information in your documentation. This will serve as a reference point for the entire team throughout the project.

ㅤ

Here are some tips for creating effective documentation:

  • Use clear and concise language
  • Include visual aids like screenshots and diagrams (This is so important!!! But try to sync it with the actual Artboards, otherwise it will become outdated very quickly.)
  • Break down complex concepts into smaller, easier-to-understand parts (Don't overcomplicate things. Keep it simple and digestible.)
  • Keep the documentation organized and easy to navigate (Do it from the beginning, otherwise, you won't be able to do it later.)
  • Regularly update the documentation as the project progresses

ㅤ

Teams that use detailed documentation report 90% fewer misunderstandings and errors compared to those that don't. Plus, projects with detailed documentation are more likely to meet their deadlines. In fact, they meet deadlines up to 80% of the time, while projects without detailed documentation only meet deadlines 40% of the time.

ㅤ

Remember, investing time in creating detailed documentation during the build phase will save you time and headaches later on in the project. But do it an simple way otherwise you won’t do it.

ㅤ

__________

ㅤ

Step 5: Design Assurance

Design assurance is a another important part of the UX build phase. It involves reviewing and testing the design to ensure it meets the project requirements and user needs. By implementing design assurance practices, you can catch and fix issues early on, reducing the number of post-launch defects by up to 70%.

ㅤ

Here's how to implement design assurance in your UX project:

  1. Conduct design reviews: Schedule regular design reviews with your team and stakeholders. Walk through the design together, discussing each element and gathering feedback. This helps ensure everyone is on the same page and catches any potential issues early on.
  2. Perform usability testing: Conduct usability tests with real users to validate your design decisions. This can be done through in-person testing, remote testing, or even online surveys. Gather feedback on the user experience, navigation, and overall usability of your design.
  3. Use design checklists: Create a design checklist that covers all the essential elements of your design, such as accessibility, responsiveness, and consistency. Use this checklist to review your design and ensure nothing is overlooked.
  4. Implement quality assurance: Work with your development team to implement quality assurance practices, such as code reviews and automated testing. This helps catch any technical issues that may impact the user experience.
  5. Conduct accessibility audits: Ensure your design is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.

ㅤ

By incorporating design assurance practices into your UX build phase, you can ensure a high-quality, user-centered design that meets project requirements.

ㅤ

__________

ㅤ

Step 6: Assets

Having pre-prepared design assets can save you a ton of time during the development phase. By creating high-quality icons, illustrations, and UI components ahead of time, you can streamline your workflow and ensure a consistent visual language throughout your product.

ㅤ

Here are some tips for creating effective design assets:

  1. Stick to your brand guidelines. Make sure your assets align with your company's colors, fonts, and overall aesthetic.
  2. Keep it simple. Avoid overly complex designs that may be difficult to implement or slow down your site's performance.
  3. Create assets in vector format. This will allow you to scale them up or down without losing quality.
  4. Use a consistent naming convention. This will make it easier for your team to find and use the right assets when they need them.
  5. Organize your assets in a central library.

ㅤ

By investing time in creating high-quality design assets upfront, you can save up to 40% of development time later on. Plus, well-designed assets can improve user satisfaction by up to 25%. That's a win-win!

ㅤ

With a little planning and preparation, you can create design assets that will make your UX project shine.

ㅤ

________

ㅤ

Step 7: User Validation

User validation is a crucial step in the UX build phase. It helps ensure that your design meets user expectations and provides a positive user experience.

ㅤ

Here's how to conduct user validation:

  1. Identify your target users. Determine who will be using your product and recruit participants that match your target audience.
  2. Choose a validation method. There are several methods to validate your design, such as usability testing, A/B testing, and surveys. Select the method that best fits your project goals and resources.
  3. Prepare your test materials. Create prototypes, test scenarios, and questionnaires based on your chosen validation method.
  4. Conduct the validation sessions. Invite participants to test your design and provide feedback. Observe their interactions and take notes on any issues or areas for improvement.
  5. Analyze the results. Review the data collected during the validation sessions and identify patterns or common issues. Use this information to make informed design decisions and improve your product's usability.
  6. Iterate and retest. Make necessary changes to your design based on the validation results and conduct additional testing to ensure the issues have been resolved.

ㅤ

According to a survey by UserTesting, 70% of UX projects include user validation before finalizing the design. By incorporating user validation into your build phase, you can improve the overall usability of your product by up to 50%, as reported by a study from Nielsen Norman Group.

ㅤ

Remember, user validation is an ongoing process. Continuously gather feedback and iterate on your design to ensure a successful product launch and a satisfied user base.

ㅤ

__________

ㅤ

Step 8: Design Backlog

A design backlog is a prioritized list of design tasks and improvements that need to be addressed in a UX project. It helps keep the project organized and ensures that important design work isn't overlooked.

ㅤ

Here's how to create and maintain a design backlog:

  1. Identify design tasks: Review user feedback, analytics, and team input to identify areas that need design attention.
  2. Prioritize items: Assign priority levels to each task based on urgency, impact, and feasibility. Use a scale like high, medium, and low.
  3. Add details: Include a brief description, estimated effort, and any dependencies for each backlog item. This helps the team understand the scope of the work.
  4. Review regularly: Schedule periodic backlog grooming sessions to review, update, and reprioritize items as needed.
  5. Collaborate with the team: Involve developers, product managers, and other stakeholders in backlog discussions to ensure alignment and feasibility.

ㅤ

When prioritizing backlog items, consider the following:

  • User impact: How much will this improve the user experience?
  • Business value: Does this align with the product vision and goals?
  • Effort: How much time and resources will this require?
  • Dependencies: Are there any technical or design dependencies to consider?

ㅤ

Maintaining a design backlog is a common practice, with 50% of UX projects utilizing one. Projects that use a design backlog are more likely to stay on track, with up to 80% of them meeting their deadlines compared to just 40% for projects without a backlog.

ㅤ

Conclusion

Remember, the UX build phase is an iterative process. Continuously gather feedback, refine your designs, and adapt to changing requirements. By staying agile and open to improvement, you'll be well on your way to creating exceptional user experiences that set your products apart from the competition.

ㅤ

The UX design process involves many aspects, and I haven't covered everything in this article. You don't need to know every detail to build a great product. Keep it simple, avoid working in silos, and communicate effectively. There isn't a one-size-fits-all approach. Every company is different, and we often work in loops, figuring out the best processes along the way. Nonetheless, there are fundamental elements that should be included. Don't worry, just hire an experienced UX designer if needed.

ㅤ

ㅤ

ㅤ