Design processes
Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of learning various methodologies at the highest level, and one common thread that runs through them all is the importance of involving users early and often. Whether it’s user-centered design, human-centered design, agile development, or lean startup, these approaches all share a fundamental principle: that users are the best source of feedback and guidance in the design process. By engaging with users from the outset, we can gain valuable insights into their needs, behaviors, and motivations, which can inform and improve our design decisions. This collaborative approach not only yields better outcomes but also fosters a deeper sense of ownership and investment among users, making them more likely to support and advocate for the final product or solution.

Establish empathy together as a team

Empathy is the thread that stitches the fabric of a successful product together. When we, as a team, deeply understand our users' needs and desires, we're able to weave their benefit into every aspect of the product. By increasing our team's exposure to users, we're not only gaining valuable insights but also fostering a deeper connection between the user and the product itself. This, in turn, leads to increased user satisfaction and loyalty – a true win-win for everyone involved

Collectively define and agree on problems

Before diving into solutions, take the time to deeply understand users' problems. Empathy first, solutions later. This allows for the creation of a solid foundation for innovation and collaboration. Build on insights that empower us to develop creative, effective solutions. This approach not only leads to better outcomes but also builds trust, motivation, and a sense of ownership among all team members. Slow down, listen carefully, and take the time to truly understand the challenge – and then watch as we shine together.

Team Ideation

Great ideas can come from anyone on the team! Waiting for one person to create the perfect solution can lead to bias and slow down the process. Instead, let's harness the collective genius of our team by using exercises designed to generate a flood of ideas quickly. This approach not only encourages collaboration but also ensures that diverse perspectives are brought to the table. By embracing this mindset, we'll accelerate innovation, foster creativity, and create solutions that truly resonate with our users.

Fake it until you can make it.

Get close to the real deal quickly, then test and iterate. We're seeking feedback on the idea, not a polished design. By minimizing upfront time and effort, we can reduce risk and increase the chances of delivering something truly valuable to our users. Let's test with real representative users early on, gather insights, and refine our approach as needed. This approach will help us stay focused on the user's needs while ensuring we're building a solution that meets their expectations.

Measure twice, cut once

To truly succeed in design, we can't just stop at one iteration. We need to learn from our users, learn from our team, and continually refine our approach. With each pass, our process will mature, and we'll become more efficient and effective. Agility is not just about being flexible; it's about being set up to respond quickly to new information, insights, or user needs. By embracing this mindset, we'll create solutions that adapt to changing circumstances, stay relevant, and ultimately deliver value to our users.

Never rest!

Design is a continuous journey, not a destination. Never resting with your design processes means never stopping to celebrate 'finishing' either. Instead, we'll keep iterating, refining, and innovating to stay ahead of the curve. By embracing an ongoing design mindset, we'll be able to respond to changing user needs, new technologies, and shifting market conditions – always staying relevant and delivering value to our users

Design Methodologies
Design methodologies are meant to be guides, not rigid frameworks. I believe in using what works best for the project at hand, rather than blindly following a predetermined approach. By being flexible and adaptable, we can tailor our process to fit the unique needs of each project, while still benefiting from the wisdom and experience that these methodologies offer. It’s all about finding the right balance between structure and creativity
Google Sprints
Google Sprints is an iterative design process developed by the Google Design team. It’s a flexible, time-boxed approach that helps teams quickly explore and validate ideas. The goal is to create a minimum viable product (MVP) within a short period, usually 4-5 days, while gathering feedback from users. I prefer to use this on small projects or features within a larger project.
Double Diamond
My go-to methodology is the Double Diamond design process framework, which consists of four stages: Discover, Define, Develop, and Deliver. What sets this approach apart is the double loop structure, where we loop back on ourselves after each stage to refine and improve the previous one. This allows us to iterate and refine our approach at each stage, rather than just moving forward linearly. By embracing this cyclical process, I’ve found that it helps me create more effective designs that truly meet the needs of my users.
Triple Diamond
My in-depth product methodology when building something new tends to be Triple Diamond, which adds an extra layer of complexity and depth to the Double Diamond framework. The Triple Diamond process involves three iterations of the Double Diamond, resulting in a more rigorous and thorough approach to designing and developing new products. This methodology allows me to dive deeper into the discovery phase, refine my understanding of user needs, and create multiple prototypes before delivering the final product
Design Process Assets
The assets that lie within my design archive are a collection of artifacts gathered throughout the last decade of my design journey. These include journey maps, wireframes, ideation session notes, and personas and design profiles from various projects. Each one holds a unique story, lesson, or insight that has helped shape my approach to design and inform my decision-making processes.