Research Phase
I am studying the project to learn the stakeholders' requirements to understand the product required. If possible, I perform a competitive analysis, SWOT analysis, and any existing project documentation before user interviews and any heuristic analysis. Before you can build a product, you need to understand its context for existence. To this understanding, functional requirements lead to form.
UX Design
When research is satisfactory, I familiarize myself with design patterns, develop personas, and create a UX strategy. I will write user stories, user flows, and simple wireframes to help me create a requirements list and roadmap to architect where information should reside. I will layout functionality, and user flows to how the product should function, design a sitemap, and address navigation. I conduct usability testing and repeat based on usability essentials to identify key functionality.
UI Design
I typically ideate an overall look and feel from which I create the UI kit, including all UI elements, iconography, and the color palette for a cohesive design. If there are existing printed materials, typically, I will import logos images and style consistency from them. Many times the style guides have come from 3rd parties or branding departments. In this case, I work following their directions. The importance is to preserve the look and consistency.
Testing
Testing usability on high fidelity helps gather feedback on both the information architecture and UI elements, essential for launching the product. User testing scripts can assist in evaluating the overall functionality of enhancements and key functionality. User testing and feedback can discover unforeseen complexities or defects in design. Rapid testing over rigorous testing may depend on launch deadlines.