When you think about stories in movies and books, you may automatically assume the events happen in a linear flow (well, except for Groundhog Day of course). You probably imagine a process where each step forward gets you closer to the desired result, without needing to look around or take a step back. You would assume the same order of events happens in a real-life process like digital product development. We’re sorry, Bill Murray, but it’s a much more complicated process to go through than that. In reality, you’ll need to move forward, pivot, look around, and start all over again. Luckily, we have the Product Design process to guide us and help us achieve the optimal final product.
What is Product Design?
This is a design process created for digital products. Using the Design Thinking methodology, this process aims to create a product that solves a real-life problem and creates value for its user. The final product of the Product Design process is a clickable prototype.
What is Design Thinking?
The Design Thinking methodology aims to understand business processes, goals, and user motivation. Using the double diamond model – which visualizes the connection between divergent and convergent thinking – Design Thinking helps us understand user requirements and how the process works. In other words, instead of a linear process, this method helps you define and redefine ideas along the way.
Is it Iterative or Incremental?
Yes, to both. Creating a prototype in agile methodology is an iterative process. However, in Product Design we do not focus on the whole product from the start. Instead, we need to develop its components separately, meaning this is also an incremental process.
Why Do I Need a Prototype?
A prototype allows you to test your idea. During the prototyping phase, we create a clickable wireframe that you can use for validation, user testing, etc. It can contain anything from a specific feature of the product to all available features. We distinguish three stages of prototypes based on where you are in the process: low-fidelity, high-fidelity, and final.
To put it simply, a prototype is an easier and cheaper way to test the viability of your idea and draw any necessary conclusions. Then, you can tackle the development of your final product.
Our Team has helped many of our partners create successful products. Take a look at what we have to offer and let us help you with your idea!