Empathize:
for example:
Interviews: an in-depth method of gathering qualitative and quantitative
insights through one-on-one conversations.
Contextual inquiry: a semi-structured interview to obtain the context of use. Users are observed while working in their natural environment.
Define:
for example:
Empathy map: a visual which maps out what the user(s) said, did, thought, and felt as well as their pains and gains.
Persona: a representation of behavior patterns or attitudes of the user; this can come in the form of provisional personas before research and the hypothesis of who the audience may be.
Ideate:
for example:
Brainstorm: an activity that can be done individually and as a group to
generate and build ideas; some methods also include Crazy 8’s, Powers of Ten, etc.
SCAMPER: Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, and Reverse – these are seven types of questions to prompt innovation on current products and solutions.
Design:
for example:
Wireframes: using sketches, these are digitized pages with critical elements detailed.
Style guide/UI kit: a record of design elements and interactions such as
buttons, typography, color, navigation menus, etc.
Test:
for example:
Prototypes can be paper designs but are often wireframes with the help of
programs such as Invision, Marvel, or Adobe XD to include links and buttons.
Iterate and Repeat