My Design Approach
Design is an approach that is about critical thinking, adoption of various processes, checklists and on some contexts, using standardized templates.
My approach of design is a culmination of all the above that I have internalized over many years of practice and applying the process of learn, unlearn and relearn.
While design in itself is about data and contextualization, it is very important for me to ensure that my customers and stakeholders are not subject to any conscious personal bias that I have.
To ensure that my approach and processes used is objective and contextual, I follow a series of steps that I believe to elicit the least error and bias.
The steps that I follow is based on the holistic approach of DIKW – Data, Information, Knowledge and Wisdom.
Here is how I use these in all my design approach –
OUTCOME
I focus from the start on what the goal or outcomes should be. Focusing on outcomes is a key aspect of my approach as it would help me look at the big picture of what should be done ultimately. This also helps in assigning value to each output that is generated – which is objectively aligned to the outcome.
​
My plan would focus on these outcomes with timelines and allows for easy management of risks.
DATA
Data is the crux of everything that I do. Even lack of data is an important symptom that would help guide the process of contextualization for my customers and stakeholders. The collection of this data can happen via various standardized methods like interview, surveys, walkthroughs, observations etc – as per the need of the context.
PLAN
I always plan what needs to be done to the level of detail that is easy for me to explain to my customers and stakeholders on what to expect based on the data that is available/not available. Planning is a key and very important stem that I focus on and this helps all to easily compare the As-Is and To-Be aspect of the approach and it’s outcomes.
DO
I embark on the journey of what has been planned and this would involve the application of various methods of elicitation and elaboration – with the focus on the data and outcomes – as per the plan. This ensures predictability and the ability of focusing on the value of the outcomes.
CHECK
The check aspect of the approach is to have a micro, mini or macro step of checking/validating each output so that the focus on the overall outcome is maintained. The check can be done via peer reviews, simple to complex testing methods. The details of each of the review/test can have a standard approach (various usability validation/testing etc like heuristics, A/B, other usability/accessibility testing methods). The key focus is on getting this done in an unbiased manner and this is also the step where I leverage skills of other experts to contribute to the overall outcome of the context.
ACT
This is about learning from the errors that may have been committed or been induced during the overall approach/method or process. I ensure that across the approach defined above, any deviation is noted/documented and used as an item on my checklist of things that should be repeated because it worked well and things that should be avoided because it did not work well.
Overall my “O-D-P-D-C-A” approach of design has given me the tools to ensure that I am able to provide objective outcomes to the need of the context.