As a product team, we followed Agile working methodologies, initially using a scrum framework and transitioning to a Scrum/Kanban hybrid over time. For the design process, we tried to follow the Design Thinking process as closely as possible.
Research and analysis: Conducted by one of the other designers on the team, this included Competitor analysis, analysis of the existing platform and card sorting exercises to help understand the users priorities and understanding of mental models and terminology.
Defining the flow: The card sorting exercises helped to define the information architecture. A high level user flow was also put together to help map out the main pathway for the users.
Exploring options: A combination of wireframing and lo-fi designs to see what worked best. We reviewed these initial designs with internal stakeholders and further built out one of the options into a high fidelity version.
Gathering feedback: From the high-fidelity designs, I produced a high fidelity prototype in Protopie. The reason for going with a high fidelity prototype was that we wanted to mimic the final intended product as closely as possible, but still with enough time to make any necessary changes before development got too far. We tested this prototype with a range of users including clients and internal sales traders.
Iterating: From there, we prioritised amendments as a product team, focusing on the important ones first, along with quick wins, and then adding the rest to the backlog.
Development and QA: I worked closely with the developers and QA engineer to ensure alignment with the designs. Where possible, we tried to stick with native iOS and Android patterns and components, but due to the complex nature of the platform, there were instances where we had to introduce custom components. I also helped to guide with microinteractions and animations.
