Fundamentals followed by UX designers.

Fundamentals followed by UX designers.

Well, we have already discussed what a UX designer is? And What are the roles and responsibilities of a UX designer? In our previous blogs. In this article, we will discuss the fundamentals to be followed by a UX designer while designing. How he should focus on each aspect carefully and how to keep stakeholders happy!

When asked about my approach to explaining fundamentals while designing as a UX designer, I listed these eight aspects as major considerations by designers.

Aligning UX disciplines

After thorough research and analysis, I have aligned eight fragments to form a UX design process unicorn, which my team helped me to describe. And this is how we function to achieve results.

Essential parts of UX

• Interaction design

This stage examines the interaction between the system and its users. It focuses on developing an outline and how to present information so that users can understand the information in the best way.

“Every great design begins with an even better story.”

— Lorinda Mamo, Designer / Creative Director

Though interaction design is a subset of UX design, every UX designer is not competent in interaction design. Ever since the dawn of computing, it has become imperative to interact with our product. Thus the simple you keep the interaction, the more beautiful it is.

• Visual design

Based on initial design theories developed by interaction designers, visual designers work by applying typographical hierarchy, color, material patterns, and iconography. To formulate the overall visual appeal of product designers, try to establish micro-interactions to fit together.

“Like all forms of design, visual design is about problem-solving, not about personalpreference or unsupported opinion.” — Bob Baxley

• Usability

At this stage, the experts investigate product pathways for the suitability of users. They try to identify the errors via testing and check the users do not get confused and give necessary instructions to the team for required adjustments. The essential testing helps in finding future ideation and revising product influence.

“Usability is about people and how they understand and use things, not about technology” -Steve Krug

The major focus in this stage is on “whether our product is easy to use or not? Will users/customers use or product or not?”

Tools in use: Test plans, proof of concept, testing debriefs, guerrilla testing, A/B testing

• Information architecture

An appointed UX architect examines the complete content before presenting it to users. Based on the user’s conceptual model, a content hierarchy is prepared. A thorough examination of the user’s thought process and behaviors is improvised. The major concern is on content searched by users and what measures to implement for achievement.

Tools: cluster group information, content hierarchy, sitemaps, card sorting.

• Content strategy

The work of content strategists is to analyze the user’s language and understand the intended meaning of users. They analyze and decide content creation, time of publishing, and exposure to users. While addressing users in various situations, a content strategist set the voice of a product and tone. Thus at this stage, the major focus is on effective communication with users.

“UI is the saddle, the stirrups, & the reins. UX is the feeling you get being able to ride the horse.”

— Dain Miller, Web Developer

Tools required: Content guidelines, tone decisions, modeling, and product voice.

• User research

UX researchers examine the behaviors, activities, obligations, needs, and environment of users. They observe and identify (internal and external) user struggles and provide potential solutions to the team. The team of researchers works on a holistic approach where they incorporate the concept of user existence and not just the product.

The team focuses on examining a user’s existence, environment, and behavior.

Tools required: user interview, analytical statistics, process life cycle, user journey mapping, workshop personas, and user surveys.

• Prototyping-

Prototyper draft version of the product as a part of its responsibility. Prototypers are also known as UXers, data scientists, or engineers. Their work is to create a variety of workflows- coded and non-coded to provide concept proof. Creativity is what focused on the prototyping stage.

“Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Design is knowing which ones to keep.” — Scott Adams

While prototyping design ideas are captured, interactivity is tested, and an effective problem-solving strategy is designed.

Tools required- interactive animations, HTML/CSS/JAVAScript, clickable workflows

Conclusion–

Measure your company’s UX maturity before growing your team. UX designer fundamentals are essential elements in the designing process. At GKMIT, we work on building step by step procedure of perfect UX team output. We take baby steps for smart growth. We focus on diversifying knowledge and increasing team efficiency through constant updates. Figure out gaps in your UX process story by our expert guidance.

Energize your UX with the above disciplines.

Yay…. I hope you found our blog helpful!