Design Thinking the 4D UX methodology

Photo by Daria Nepriakhina on Unsplash

Introduction

4D is a user-centric and iterative process we could use in digital design and development. It addresses almost all facets identifying:

• The target users,
• Benchmarking,
• Defining requirements,
• Project management,
• User experience design,
• Development and quality assurance,
• As well as non-development tasks such as software and technology selection, systems and content strategy.

The phases are:

• Discover — understanding the problem(s) and developing insights
• Design — the area to focus upon
• Develop — potential solutions to the problem(s)
• Deliver — solutions that work

Gabriel Silvestri —
UX Design Steps Infographic Illustration

Discovery phase

This is the phase where we do extensive research on our target users, understanding their pain points, observing the environment in which they work, and developing insights.

Here’s how the discovery phase takes place in a web design process

• Requirements and Specifications: The complete set of specifications and functionality of the project is captured here. Once we have the specs clear, we may proceed to further steps.
• Sitemap: A sitemap is a high-level diagram portraying the general structure and architecture of the website. The objective of a sitemap is to enable clearly identify the pages, various sections, and navigation items that will make up the site.

Design Phase

This is the phase where we actually start to design page by page. Here, we design interactions, interface elements, and also the visual aesthetics of the pages.

Below’s how the design phase takes place in a web design process

• Wireframe: Here, we begin by sketching out the general layout of a page, which could also be in the form of paper sketches. A wireframe is simply a black and white model showing the overall placement of the elements on the page. In this step, we’ll decide where the main navigation will go. Where the logo will be placed as well as all images, text and media elements.
• Visual Design: At this stage, we implement our creative ideas and we begin to design the look and feel of the website. We should be able to capture the essence of the business and the culture as well as products and services.

Development Phase

At this stage, we develop content and bring the website to life.

Here’s how the development phase takes place in a web design process

• Content: We develop/improve content. Typically, content production begins right after the sitemap has been approved.
• Front End Development: This is where we take the finalized design and turn it into the internet’s language, HTML.
• Back-end Development: The back-end is the brain of the website. Here is where the site is brought to life by programming all the functionality, creating the database, and implementing the site’s logic.

Delivery Phase

We’ll perform a quality analysis just to ensure that what we had designed has come out to pixel perfection when developed.

Here’s how the delivery phase takes place in a web design process

• Testing: Since users will access the website from screens with different resolutions, different browsers, phones, etc, consistency must be ensured across all platforms.
• Launch: Once the site is complete, it is launched as a beta version for testing and feedback. Relevant iterations are made and the revamped website will be rolled out.