Urja's UX Process
Every project is a unique journey, influenced by factors like upfront requirements, user access, available resources, and deadlines. But within this dynamic landscape, I follow my personal guiding principles that infuse creativity into every step. Here's a glimpse into Urja's UX process, where innovation takes center stage:
“If you’re not checking, you’re guessing.”
In my UX process, I despise wasting time on projects that lack purpose or fail to resonate with users. To avoid such pitfalls, I thoroughly examine the project requirements: their origin, target audience, underlying motivations, and mission-critical aspects. Early on, I delve into captivating product discovery interviews with users, customers, and subject matter experts (SMEs) - a phase I find particularly thrilling. I maintain continuous communication with these individuals to validate and refine prototypes and designs.
My background as a filmmaker fuels my initiative and resourcefulness in locating users and SMEs. Drawing inspiration from my filmmaking journey, I employ creative methods such as setting up tests in unique environments, leveraging the power of storytelling, and capturing the essence of users' experiences. This approach may seem nerve-wracking at times, but I firmly believe it is vital to uncovering valuable insights. By infusing my UX process with the artistry of filmmaking, I ensure that my designs engage users on an emotional level and deliver captivating experiences.
"If I had an hour to solve the problem, I would spend 55 minutes defining the problem and then five minutes solving it."
Early product discovery sessions hold immense importance in my UX process, as they uncover the user's journey, goals, objectives, and pain points. During these sessions, my focus is not on finding immediate solutions but rather extracting specific problem statements. This approach safeguards against tunnel vision and allows for a more holistic exploration of possibilities.
This philosophy lies at the heart of innovation, as highlighted by Henry Ford's words, "If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses." Understanding the underlying need, in this case, speed, opens doors to transformative solutions. By immersing myself in the user's world, empathizing with their experiences, and seeking to unravel their true needs, I pave the way for groundbreaking innovation that surpasses expectations.
Whose perspectives are we not considering?
I firmly believe that diversity and inclusion are essential for creating exceptional products. Reflecting on the introduction of Siri, I immediately shrugged it off because I knew it wouldn't work for my parents, who had accents. This experience ignited a passion for considering perspectives that are often overlooked. I prioritize educating myself on marginalized groups to evaluate whose viewpoints might be missing from the design process. In doing so, I strive to identify and address potential discrimination within designs.
Drawing upon my background in English Literature and Film & Media, I bring a fresh perspective to my role as a UX designer, prioritizing inclusivity in every project. It has taught me that multiple models can be right, and I am careful not to assume that my mental paradigm represents "the norm" for others. This awareness guides my approach when working on projects. For instance, while designing a social media platform, I encountered a challenge where user profiles were limited to binary gender options. Leveraging my diverse background, I recognized the importance of embracing gender diversity and providing users with a more inclusive experience. Collaborating with the development team, I advocated for the implementation of customizable gender options, allowing users to express their identities authentically. By incorporating inclusive design principles, I ensured that the platform celebrated and respected the diverse range of user identities.
In addition, I actively consider the "Asshole Contingency" – the potential for a feature to be misused or abused. By anticipating such scenarios, I proactively design safeguards to prevent misuse and create a positive user experience.
Through my passion for inclusivity, deep understanding of diverse perspectives, and creative problem-solving skills, I strive to create products that empower and resonate with users from all walks of life.
Speak up! No one can read your mind.
Throughout my career journey whether as a Filmmaker or a UX Designer, I've learned that effective communication is a lifelong skill that drives personal and professional growth. While I used to be shy, I've transformed into an advocate of directness and open dialogue. I've discovered the power of asking questions when confused, challenging inefficiencies, and uncovering injustice. If you're seeking someone who will stay silent, I may not be the ideal fit for your team.
An insightful experience stands out vividly in my memory. A colleague once advised me to conceal a mistake I had made to protect the group's reputation. However, I followed my intuition and decided to approach our superiors to confess the error. By addressing the issue head-on, we swiftly resolved the problem in just 30 minutes. Moreover, we collaborated to develop a new process to prevent similar mistakes in the future. I'm grateful for trusting my instincts and upholding transparency.
Ed Catmull, in his book "Creativity, Inc.," rightly emphasized the importance of speaking truthfully. If more truth is shared in hallways than in meetings, it signifies an underlying problem. Progress is only possible when we openly discuss challenges, address pain points, and strive for improvement.
By embracing open communication, I create an environment where ideas flourish, problems find resolution, and teams thrive. I firmly believe that voicing concerns, sharing insights, and promoting transparency are vital ingredients for success.
“If more truth is spoken in hallways than in meetings, then there is a problem.”
— Ed Catmull, Creativity Inc.
Thoughts on Product and UX
Discover my blog Medium, a treasure trove of thoughts on product and UX. Dive into the depths of the UX process, uncovering solutions to common obstacles, and explore a quick guide to user testing for designers. Let's embark on this journey of knowledge and inspiration together.