digital product development
05.06.2024
Exclusive: Our process for digital product design
Jonathan Stütz
Design Lead & Product Strategist
In diesem Blogartikel stellen wir unseren Prozess für effizientes, digitales Produktdesign vor.
<p>Digital products or digital solutions include mobile apps and web applications, i.e. software that is tailored precisely to the needs of its users. Developing such products is often extremely complex and without the right strategy and methodology, even the best idea will fail and turn into a failure.</p>
<p>For this reason, their development is usually not limited to a single step, but involves several processes in which various experts work together in an interdisciplinary team.</p>
<p>There is also no standardised, fixed approach to developing digital solutions, as every project and every problem is unique. The approach of different agencies also varies enormously.</p>
<p>At typedigital, we have developed our own methodology that can be perfectly tailored to the requirements of each project. Essentially, we divide our process into the basic phases of Discover & Define, Design & Test, Develop & Launch and Listen & Measure.</p>
<p>It is extremely important to always take the user's perspective in order to offer them an optimal user experience. This is the only way to identify their pain points and provide optimal solutions.</p>
<p>For the sake of clarity, we have simplified this process in our product flywheel diagram. In the following, we will look at this from the perspective of our designers and gain insights into the methodology and responsibilities.</p>
<h2>1 Discover and Define</h2>
<p>In this phase, we set the course for the idea so that the product achieves the desired success. The core functionalities are defined: What exactly should the digital product be able to do? Who is it aimed at? Who are the users?</p>
<p>We therefore focus intensively on the end users. If necessary, we create user journeys, user personas or empathy maps. These steps help us to better understand the users and respond to their needs and pain points.</p>
<p>In most cases, it also makes sense to carry out a competitive analysis at the beginning to find out whether there are competitors on the market and what benefits their products bring.</p>
<h2>2 Design & Test</h2>
<p>In the Design & Test phase, things become more concrete: The idea takes on its first shape based on the findings gathered in the first phase and the solution is concretised piece by piece.</p>
<p>Another helpful tool that is often used is the creation of wireframes. Wireframes are a kind of low-fidelity prototype that help us to work out the structure of the project, the content and the functionality. There is also no colour scheme at all, so the focus is solely on the information architecture, without any visually distracting elements.</p>
<p><img src="https://typedig.uber.space/assets/eb7935f9-1f5a-4c78-b30e-3233b347f92c?width=5568&height=3712" alt="Kelly Sikkema Io0 Zl Ybu31s Unsplash"></p>
<p><em>With the help of wireframing, the interfaces of the digital product take on their first shape.</em></p>
<p>The development of the high-fidelity prototype, which is usually visually indistinguishable from the later software, and its testing also fall into this phase. We also recommend carrying out a usability test to test the designed solution. This allows us to understand the users at an early stage and filter out any problems when using the digital product.</p>
<h2>3 Develop & Launch</h2>
<p>The third phase involves the actual implementation. Our UX/UI designer provides the developers with prototypes, all the important information and supports them with the technical concept so that they can develop the digital product.</p>
<p>There is a lot to consider here, as unforeseen changes may still be necessary. Our experts therefore rely on agile methods such as Scrum in order to react quickly.</p>
<p><img src="https://typedig.uber.space/assets/d06cfcd7-79d3-4345-bbd8-14ff9832defb?width=1920&height=1280" alt="Typedigital Zunder Foto 20230628 143"></p>
<p><em>With agile methods such as Scrum, necessary changes can be implemented at an early stage</em></p>
<p>Once the necessary changes have been made and the required tests have been carried out, the product can be launched.</p>
<h2>4 Listen & Measure</h2>
<p>Digital products are never finished, as adjustments or enhancements often need to be made even after the product has been launched. This can occur, for example, due to necessary updates or changes in the market.</p>
<p>It is also important to measure the success of the product right from the start. Accompanying user interviews and the collection of data help to visualise the successes and exploit further potential for improvement.</p>
<h2>What are the requirements for digital product designers?</h2>
<p>In addition to project managers, designers of digital products play an important role because they are the interface between the individual experts and must initiate and accompany the various processes.</p>
<p>In doing so, they must always keep the big picture in mind: On the one hand, there are the needs of the users, and on the other hand, there are <a href="pert-method" target="_blank" rel="noopener">business aspects</a> such as business goals and market opportunities. But technical expertise also plays a major role, as digital product designers must be able to assess what is technically possible and what is not.</p>
<p><img src="https://typedig.uber.space/assets/abdc8f17-6f5f-4c1d-8228-7504d5691682?width=1920&height=1440" alt="Typedigital Zunder Foto 20230628 130"></p>
<p><em>Our UX Designer Jonathan is the interface between the various experts</em></p>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<p>As you can see, the design of digital products can be extremely complex, as interdisciplinary steps are necessary and the expertise of various stakeholders is required. Without proper research, a well-thought-out strategy and competent developers, even the best idea will be a flop.</p>
<p>At typedigital, we want to prevent exactly that. Our experienced specialists have what it takes to ensure that your idea doesn't fail, but instead meets the needs of your users. We are at your side as a competent partner and accompany you on your journey: From the original idea to the launch and even beyond.</p>
<p>Do you have an idea for a digital product but don't know how to realise it? Then get in touch with us, we'll be happy to help! You can write to us via the contact address or email and arrange a free consultation. We look forward to hearing what you have in mind!</p>
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Jonathan Stütz
Design Lead & Product Strategist
