MD JOURNAL
Digital Design Methodology For The Ultimate Win-Win Results
Which is the best way for designers to communicate their ideas to existing or potential clients and get them across successfully, without wasting time and money, since they’re not speaking the same language, to begin with?
Draft layout gets the job done
Like the saying goes, “If you can’t say it, draw it” and this holds true in digital design. Creating simple drawings is the first step to visualize the methodology of User Experience, as long as both sides – designer and client- mutually agree that usability is the top priority.
Wireframes are to a web designer as blueprints are to an architect. It is the only way one can comprehend, in real scale, where each element will be placed and get acquainted with the whole layout.
Brainstorming on paper – erasing and starting all over
Creating the prototype
The moment the prototype version is created is the moment UX (User Experience) makes way for UI (User Interface). That is also the moment that common questions like “How will I navigate from one page to the other?” or “Is this how it will look in the browser?” no longer arise. At this stage, the designer has implemented all the necessary elements, such as colors, images, buttons, distances, fonts, and the client or the prospect has a clear impression of all the stages that had previously been approved. The focus is now placed on usability and the aesthetic part of the project.
The next step, Wireframes designed in Sketch or Illustrator and placed in Invision
prototype invision
Final wireframes in HQ placed together, creating a complete prototype of the app
Finalizing a successful project
The final moment is when the client or prospect needs to give approval in order to move on to the development of the definitive version. Any changes, modifications or corrections are taken care of before moving on to programming so that neither money nor time goes to waste for either one, client or designer.
The procedure presented above is a simple methodology, which, nevertheless, can lead with certainty to successful projects, given that both sides follow it step by step.
Dimitris Kokolakis
Partner, Head of Digital
Dimitris comes from the world of business and has studied economics. After working for many years in large multinationals companies he decided to combine business with design. In 2007 he founded MDesigners, with the main focus to explore ways to better integrate design in business practices. He specializes in strategic design and analysis of multi-level digital applications.