UX Principles

Step 1: Study the System 

• Clearly state the product's intention and function

• Explore the ideal UX flow to achieve the product's intention

• See what interactions appear to work well 

• Note flaws in the ideal interaction dynamics of the system

• Look for interactions that deter from the system's intention

• Analyze the system to determine user goals that are easily accomplished, or confusing, difficult to achieve, and unmet 

Step 2: Study the User

• Perform domain research and user interviews to develop personas and user journeys 

• Document the tasks, subtasks, and cognitive states the user employs while interacting with the product

• Evaluate whether there is a mismatch between the system's intended function and user goals and cognition

Step 3:  Think Computationally

• Think about the computational processes behind the user’s experience and interaction

• Explore different user interaction trajectories

• Think about where they can go wrong

• Ask yourself: what would the user do here and what should the system do here? 

• Then, analyze the situation and deduce a vision for the ideal outcome

Step 4:  Document the Findings

• Include screenshots and user flows to demonstrate the findings

• Differentiate between UX issues and system errors

• Document the frequency and severity of issues found

• Write up the results

• Organize a presentation on the analysis 

Step 5: Make Design Recommendations

• Develop design recommendations from the findings 

• Rank them in terms of severity and feasibility of accomplishing them

• Find the lowest hanging fruits and the furthest reaching big goals

• Envision the ideal result

• Develop an empirical strategy for convincing the team of the recommendations

• Share the findings with the team and implement your strategy