Phase 3: Design
Define the user experience and product design.
Purpose
Translate validated problem into a concrete product vision:
- How will users interact with the solution?
- What does the experience look like?
- What are the key user flows?
Activities
User Experience Design
- Define user personas
- Map user journeys
- Identify key interactions
Visual Design
- Create wireframes
- Design mockups
- Establish design system
Prototyping
- Build interactive prototypes
- Test with users
- Iterate on feedback
Outputs
| Output | Description |
|---|---|
| User Personas | Detailed user profiles |
| User Flows | Step-by-step interaction diagrams |
| Wireframes | Low-fidelity layouts |
| Mockups | High-fidelity designs |
| Prototype | Interactive demo |
Design Process
Research -> Ideate -> Wireframe -> Mockup -> Prototype -> Test -> Iterate
1. Ideation
- Sketch multiple approaches
- Don't commit too early
- Explore edge cases
2. Wireframing
- Focus on structure, not aesthetics
- Map all screens
- Define navigation
3. Mockups
- Apply visual design
- Ensure consistency
- Consider responsive design
4. Prototyping
- Make it clickable
- Test with real users
- Gather feedback
Exit Criteria
Ready to move to Spec when:
- User flows are complete
- Key screens are designed
- Design tested with users
- Major design decisions documented
Tips
- Start with the core flow first
- Design for the happy path, then edge cases
- Get feedback early and often
- Don't over-design before validation
Next Phase
Phase 4: Spec - Document detailed requirements.