Research
- When beginning your design process, it is important to start with research. Research your target audience, the aesthetics of similar companies, and the current design trends in your industry. Use this knowledge to inform your design decisions.
Planning
- Before actually putting pen to paper or jumping into a design program, take time to plan out your project. Create an organized outline or mindmap of all the elements you intend to incorporate into the design.
Define the Goal
- Before taking any further steps, define the goal of your project. What do you aim to create? What is the desired outcome of this design? Keep this goal in mind throughout the process to ensure it remains true to the original intention.
Prototype
- Use a program like Sketch or Figma to create a complete wireframe and prototype of the design. This will give you an understanding of the visual hierarchy, how to place elements on a page, and how they interact with each other.
Iterate
- Building off your prototype, make changes and improvements until your design is complete. As you move through the iterative process, continue to ask questions like “How can I make this better?” and “What will engage the user?”
Review
- Once you reach a final version of the design, ask yourself if it meets the goal you set out in the beginning. Show the design to other members of your team, or even to the target audience, to get feedback.
Final Touches
- Make any necessary final tweaks or adjustments to the design before preparing it for launch. Add animations, transitions, or any other small details that bring the design to life.
Reflection
- Take time to reflect on the design process, so that you can learn from your experience. Document what worked, what didn’t work, and what could have been improved. You can also use this time to set new goals and objectives for future projects.