User Research
I spend the early part of any project to find out what the intended user feels about what I am building. I design for the users after all and I must be sure they will have a good experience.
Ideation
Bouncing off ideas is the next thing after the research has been completed. I try to think through a wide range of solutions that can be implemented before narrowing down to a few points.
Sketching & Wireframing
To ensure I have a good understanding of how to address the pain points recorded during user research, I attempt to make some sketches and transfer them to a low-fi wireframe.
Prototyping
This combines a more detailed wireframe together with possible interactions of screens that have been designed. This ensures that a working prototype is sent out for user testing.
User Testing
A good design work starts and ends with the user. At this stage, I allow a couple of individuals test what I have built, get feedback and make some iteration on the already existing prototype.