Design Process

Double diamond design process

To solve this task, we proposed using the Double Diamond design process, to work toward a solution based on a deep understanding of user needs and behaviour. Ultimately, using this design process allowed us to reduce the risk of implementing features that were not relevant to our users.The Double Diamond design process is a widely recognized framework for problem-solving and innovation within the field of design. It consists of four distinct phases: Discover, Define, Develop, and Deliver.

Design process included these activities:

● Discover phase - user interviews, competitor analysis● Define phase - user personas, jobs-to-be-done, customer journey map● Develop phase - user flows, wireframes● Deliver phase - UI Kit, UI visualization.

Agile Methodology

To solve this task we used Agile methodology. Agile methodology is an iterative and flexible approach to project management and software development that emphasize collaboration, adaptability, and continuous improvement. It was originally introduced as a response to traditional waterfall project management methods, which often resulted in rigid processes and lengthy development cycles. By combining Agile methodology with the Double Diamond design process, we created a flexible and collaborative framework for problem-solving and product development, allowing to iteratively refine and improve the design while delivering value to users and stakeholders.

Here's how they relate:

● Iterative Process● Collaborative Approach● Customer-Centric Focus● Adaptability and Flexibility

1. Discovery Phase

In the Discover phase, the focus is on gaining a deep understanding of the problem space and the needs of users. We held research that included stakeholders interview, competitor analysis and user interview. The goal is to explore a wide range of possibilities and identify key challenges and opportunities.

Key activities

Stakeholder interviews were held to understand the vision of the result we need to achieve. Stakeholder also gave us their understanding of the market and their main competitors, target audience they want to cover and their pains and needs.
Competitor analysis was held to understand the main strength and weakness of our competitors, what is the target audience of each app, what successful solutions were made to achieve their goal.
User interview. To conduct a user interview, a script was compiled with questions on topics related to the application. During the interviews, an analysis of usability and clarity of functions was carried out. The answers were recorded in a results table. A video recording of the interview was also made.

2. Define Phase

At the define phase we involved synthesizing the findings to define a clear problem statement or design challenge. This step helped to narrow down the focus and establish specific goals for the design process. It involved creating personas, customer journey maps, and jobs-to-be-done to empathize with users and frame the problem in a human-centered way.

Key activities

User Personas played a vital role in the design process by helping us empathize with users, make informed design decisions, prioritize features, align stakeholders, and create more inclusive and user-centered solutions.
Jobs-to-be-done helped to understand the core functional and emotional needs that users were trying to fulfill when they use a product or service. By focusing on the jobs users are trying to accomplish, rather than just their demographic characteristics or behaviors, we developed solutions that better meet users' needs and expectations. This activity provided valuable insights into the underlying motivations and desired outcomes of users, which can inform product design, feature development, and marketing strategies.
Customer Journey Map (CJM) provided valuable insights into the user experience, identifies opportunities for improvement, aligns cross-functional teams, builds empathy, informs design decisions, and supports continuous improvement efforts.

By mapping out the various touchpoints, emotions, and pain points encountered along the journey, designers can uncover insights into user behavior, motivations, and needs.

Customer journey maps helped us to empathize with users, identify areas of friction or inefficiency in the user experience, and pinpoint opportunities for improvement and innovation. These insights served as a foundation for the subsequent phases of the design process, guiding the definition of design challenges, the development of solutions, and the delivery of a high-quality user experience.

3. Develop Phase

In the Develop phase we generated and explore a variety of possible solutions to address the defined problem. This stage is characterized by divergent thinking, where multiple ideas are generated and explored through brainstorming, sketching, prototyping, and other creative methods. The goal was to explore a wide range of possibilities without prematurely converging on a single solution.

Key activities

User flows are dynamic documents that evolve over time as the design progresses. They can be updated and refined based on feedback from usability testing and user research, allowing designers to iteratively improve the user experience. They facilitated collaboration between designer, developers, and stakeholders by providing a common reference point for discussing and iterating on design ideas. By visualizing the sequence of steps, we identified areas where users may encounter difficulties or confusion and address these issues proactively. Overall, the creation of user flows was a valuable activity that helped us to visualize user paths, identify pain points, make informed design decisions, facilitate collaboration, and support iterative design processes.
Wireframes allowed us to to outline the layout and structure of a digital product or interface without getting distracted by visual design elements. This helped to focus on the overall user experience and functionality. By mapping out user flows and interactions, we ensured that the interface is intuitive and user-friendly.

Wireframes serve as a common reference point for designers, developers, and stakeholders, ensuring alignment on the overall structure and functionality of the product. This helped to prevent misunderstandings and ensures that everyone is working towards the same goals. They also allowed for focused feedback and discussion.

By creating wireframes early in the design process, we identified potential usability issues or challenges with the layout before investing time and resources in high-fidelity design or development. This allowed for early problem-solving and refinement of the design concept.

4. Deliver Phase

The final phase of the Double Diamond process is Deliver, where the focus shifted towards implementing and refining the chosen solution. The ultimate goal was to deliver a high-quality solution that effectively addresses the defined problem and meets the needs of users.

Key activities

UI Kit creation provided us with consistency in design, efficiency in the design process, scalability and reusability of design assets, streamlined collaboration, alignment with brand guidelines, and facilitation of a design system. These benefits contributed to the creation of high-quality, user-centered interfaces that meet the needs of both users and stakeholders.

UI Visualization provides us with a powerful tool for visualizing design concepts, gathering feedback, conducting user testing, aligning with branding guidelines, enhancing the user experience, and gaining stakeholder buy-in. These benefits contribute to the development of high-quality, user-centered interfaces that meet the needs of both users and stakeholders.

Summary

Here are some key achievements of our work:

User-Centered Design: our decisions were driven by user research, resulting in an application that meets the specific needs and preferences of our target audience.
Intuitive User Experience: We crafted a seamless and intuitive user experience through thoughtful user flows, clear navigation, and user-friendly interface elements, ultimately enhancing user engagement and satisfaction.
Goal-Oriented Design: Our application facilitates various financial goals, such as saving for specific purchases, building a safety net, eliminating debt, and investing in business development, empowering users to manage their finances effectively.
Visual Consistency and Branding: We maintained visual consistency and aligned the design with the brand's identity through the creation of a UI kit, moodboard, and references, ensuring a cohesive and polished look across the application.
Iterative Design Process: We iteratively refined the design based on user feedback and usability testing, resulting in continuous improvement and optimization of the application's functionality and usability.
Competitive Analysis: Insights gained from competitor analysis informed design decisions and helped differentiate the application in the market, ultimately contributing to its success.
Positive User Feedback: We received positive feedback from future users and stakeholders who have interacted with the application, demonstrating its effectiveness and impact.

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