1. Focus on the user, really!
Plans usually start off with good intentions to understand and know the users; however, the execution process lacks involvement of users and their input. Smart companies have figured it out – go out and find out what users are actually using. Develop user-tasks, personas, and conduct user research so you can gain a deep understanding of the user requirements. Focus on real people and what activities they need to accomplish and the context of those activities. Remember, when you design without really knowing your users, you can lose out on potentially four times the ROI.
2. Produce prototype wireframes before building
Tremendous savings are realized when you map out each page of the user experience before you begin building. Estimates will be 50% more accurate. Requests for clarification by your design team will be reduced by 80%. Reworks and bug fixes will be reduced by 25%. Isn’t achieving all this worth producing prototype wireframes?
3. Validate through usability testing
There’s a 90% reduction in support costs when you employ usability testing with real users. By validating the user experience before you go live, you get to understand where the gaps are, modify your user flow and redefine your design if required, all of which mitigates risk before launch.
The UX method includes many other elements; however knowing your users, applying an effective wireframe process and testing with actual end users are the foundational steps to building online platforms that will be successful.
About UXD Group
UXD Group brings together specialized usability experts who are passionate about what users really want and are trying to achieve, with a focus on user-centred design through various research and analytics methods. uxdgroup.com