VisualSpec
Web Application
The Challenge
Whilst working for Geeks, a company specialising in Digital transformation, I identified the need to develop an improved methodology for delivering our solution design projects (design sprints) and extend the existing low-fidelity prototyping tool VisualSpec to support it. The project had two main goals, to reduce scope gaps and misunderstood requirements in development, and provide a clear process for junior staff to follow.
The Solution
Provide structure whilst encouraging freedom
There are many design methodologies used in industry, with the two most prominent design thinking and the double diamond. Whilst both are well regarded they emphasise the skill and decision making of the practitioner to get the best from them. To meet the goals of the project I adopted a more structured five stage approach that was based on the these two approaches. Those stages are Scope, Plan, Spec, Test, Design.
At each stage I defined deliverables and the techniques that should be used to create them, with the output of each deliverable feeding into the next until all stages were completed. If the approach was followed, and with the right training, even a relatively junior member of staff could design a great application. Freedom came from the autonomy to revisit a deliverable within a stage to improve the outcome, but not move back to the other stages without sign off from a more senior member of staff.
The Outcome
The method has been used to successfully deliver designs for over 10 projects since it was launched. Though still relatively new, the method and tool aligned to it have helped create a high quality experience for clients, and reduce delays or overruns in development.
Interface Designs
