The most effective products are created through an iterative design process. This approach involves continuously improving the design through repeated cycles of testing and feedback. By designing iteratively, we ensure that our products evolve based on real user needs and feedback, leading to more effective and user-friendly solutions.
The first draft reveals the design problem. The second draft addresses the problem. The third draft begins to solve it.
- Jeff Gothelf (Lean UX)
Why design iteratively?
- Continuous improvement: Iterative design allows us to refine our solutions gradually. By incorporating feedback from each cycle, we can make incremental improvements that enhance the overall user experience.
- User-centred approach: This method keeps the user at the heart of the design process. By regularly testing and gathering feedback, we ensure that our designs meet the actual needs and expectations of our users
- Flexibility and adaptability: Iterative design provides the flexibility to adapt to changing requirements and new insights. It allows us to pivot and make necessary adjustments without significant disruptions.
- Risk Mitigation: By breaking down the design process into smaller, manageable iterations, we can identify and address issues early on. Fewer redesigns, fast development and lower costs.
How to design iteratively?
- User Research and Testing: Conduct thorough user research to understand the needs and pain points of our users. This research informs our initial design, which is then tested with real users to gather feedback. If working on a platform where students are the main users, then use the Student Digital Voice to support with recruiting test participants.
- Prototyping and feedback Loops: By creating prototypes and sharing them with users for you can get feedback before costly development work takes place. This feedback is used to refine the design in subsequent iterations. Each cycle of prototyping and feedback helps us move closer to an optimal solution
- Collaboration and Communication: An iterative design process involves close collaboration between designers, developers, and stakeholders. Regular communication ensures that everyone is aligned and that the design evolves based on collective insights. If you don’t have design resource get in touch…
- Agile Methodologies: At Oxford we are leveraging agile methodologies to manage the iterative process. This includes using sprints, backlogs, and regular retrospectives to plan, execute, and review each iteration.
