As with many things on the internet, you have the ability to discover new information and make connections between them. The same can be said with learning new processes and ways to approach design problems. Most of it is instinctual while attributes of the craft can be learned. This is what will be covered in this Mobile App Design Sketching and Prototyping session.
In an attempt to share the process of my work and how I approach design projects, I realized that it needed to be explained in simpler terms. That said, this quick workshop will cover some of the up front details and help guide our decision making for this project. Note that this is an abbreviated version of my learning and using parts of experimentation processes, largely illustrated in the Double Diamond Framework.
Design Process: What Will Be Covered?
User Goals
The start of our project goals will be to identify the ideal user of our application and the context of its use. We will explore some of the thoughts and opinions of tasks, data to be referenced and the purpose of the screens discussed. This will help set the stage for much of the strategy, outlining clear user tasks and actions.
Story Sketching
Following identifying goals, I then introduce a sketched version of the details to explore how to translate goals into UI experiences. Using simple paper sketches to focus on interaction instead of visuals, this keeps the conversation rooted in deliberate actions rather than color choice. This will not be a rendition of a Bob Ross episode but the exercise should be light-hearted, fun and informative.
Interaction/Testing
After covering much of the user’s goals and sketching out some of the user interface items, we will then test out some of the direct interactions. In examining the UI sketches created, we will then use an online tool that will bring them to life. Screens will be linked, making it easier to create tappable areas for usability testing.
Refinement
The final phase in this workshop would be to make modifications to your particular mobile app idea. Here we tighten up our sketches for clarity and legibility, then revisit the linked areas to continue testing overall use. In doing so, it will offer a much clearer view of what can be referenced for the visual compositions and applying the brand attributes.
Check out the full video to learn more about Mobile App Design Sketching & Prototyping to get an understanding of my Product Designer Process. Feel free to use some of the techniques here to improve your approach.
Mobile App Design Sketching & Prototyping | A Product Designer’s Process
Your life has color, so design it that way. AD
PS: Check out the full video for a visual reference of my process that will help you with Mobile App Design Sketching & Prototyping.
