Research (UX)

Research is vital to a successful project. I do research before designing in order to understand the target audience and to create an effective experience based on a corporate landscape that includes users and related businesses.

Research featured prominately in projects from 2018. Please notice my work for:

USER STORIES (UX)

Before starting the design it is important to map out the user’s journey. I create user stories that cover the user’s goals and various scenarios of the experience. Creating user stories allows early discussions with the development team to determine what is feasible before using resources and time to design something that may not be possible. Writing these user stories out allows me to consider all scenarios and to avoid missing show-stopping possibilities that might maximize user success.

Since 2015 user stories have been crucial to the success of projects. Please see:

WIREFRAMES (UX)

Once the research and user stories are complete it is time to start designing. I create wireframes to outline the user flows before making high fidelity designs. These clickable wireframes allow me to test the experience before I start the visuals. They also allow the rest of the team and clients to see the project without visual details in order to focus on the user experience. This has the further advantage of saving development time.

I have been utilizing wireframes since 2013.  Most of the work on this site has been wireframed. For examples, go to:

PROTOTYPES (UX/UI)

Instead of simply handing my final designs to the developer, I use tools like InVision to furnish a prototype that presents designs and also suggests options for fine-tuning the experience. Prototypes allow me to do A/B testing of different UX/UI ideas for pages or interactions to learn which approaches are more effective for the user. Once I test the prototypes I present them to stakeholders and requesters so that they can visualize the experience and give feedback.

I have provided functional prototypes for clients since 2015.  Please see my prototypes for:

DESIGN (UI)

I then distill all of the research, resource options, and testing into a preliminary design. My designs are often built within the client's existing brand language utilizing, where possible, high-quality assets. I adhere to—and sometimes contribute to—brand style guides, which creates a consistent experience for users throughout the site. Minute care with colors, fonts, layout, and images assures the correct brand message no matter what corner of the site the user is on.

Since 2011 my adaptation of these processes has kept my clients on the leading edge of UX/UI design.  Please view my work:

FEEDBACK

I use feedback from clients and fellow design professionals.  I also get it from a wide variety of people who will see and respond to the work:  those who have an interest in the client and those who would not click on my client's ad EVER, except for the moment they are caught by the design.

Here are some Slack communities that offer very intelligent feedback.