Based on my experience with working on agile projects, I have developed my own four-phase, end-to-end UX process which I follow when creating a digital product or service. Following this process ensures the output is user-friendly and free of any usability errors, providing a positive and engaging experience for users. The steps undertaken within each phase can change based on the project and product type.
Discover
Business objectives
Market analysis
Competitor analysis
User research
Storyboarding
User requirements
Information architecture
Design
Paper wireframes
Low-fidelity wireframes
High-fidelity wireframes
User testing
Accessibility testing
Recommendations
Final prototype
Develop
Write acceptance criteria
UX quality check
Accessibility testing
Content creation and migration
Deliver
Deployment
User acceptance testing
UX quality check
Service goes live
Measure performance
My role within this process primarily sits within the Discover and Design phases, however, I encourage UX quality checks regularly within the Develop and Deliver phases to ensure those responsible for development stay aligned to the approved prototypes and user requirements. Accessibility should always be kept in mind when designing a service. Accessibility checks should be undertaken in the Develop phase to ensure that the components, patterns and content conforms to WCAG AA criteria as a minimum. Conforming to WCAG criteria will increase the usability of the site with users who have permanent, temporary or situational impairments.
The Design phase is an iterative process and doesn’t always progress in a linear direction. It is recommended that user testing is completed at each step throughout the design phase to mitigate any usability or accessibility issues early prior to development.
For projects with limited time or budget, then the design process can be minimised. The product owner and UX designer must decide which steps need to be included in the new process that provides relevant and valuable data to support the design of a user-friendly product.