Meet Reagan Stewart: Enterprise UI/UX Specialist

UX Metholodolgy

This is how it works

As professional UX designer leader, I am dedicated to creating a dynamic environment that fosters the growth of emerging talent and empowers bright leaders and startups to gain a competitive edge. While my approach may differ from traditional pathways, I pride myself on providing the most effective and equitable means for sustaining a creative edge and bringing products to market.

Learn

"If I had an hour to solve a problem and my life depended on the solution, I would spend the first 55 minutes determining the proper question to ask, for once I know the proper question, I could solve the problem in less than five minutes."

— Albert Einstein, Theoretical Physicist

The Discovery

In the world of application design, discovery is the key to unlocking the right questions that need to be asked. In the spirit of Albert Einstein's quote, taking the time to properly identify the questions to be answered is crucial to finding the right solutions. Before diving into the problem-solving phase, application designers must spend ample time exploring user and business needs, defining goals and requirements, and exploring design opportunities.

Through the process of application discovery, designers can identify the proper questions to ask that will ultimately lead to a successful and effective solution. Taking the time to understand the problem thoroughly, including its context and impact, will ensure that the right questions are asked, and the resulting solution will meet user needs and solve the underlying problem. As Einstein suggests, this investment of time upfront is well worth it, as it can lead to faster and more efficient problem-solving in the long run.

Identify

"The next big thing is the one that makes the last big thing usable"

— Steve Jobs

User Research

User research is a fundamental aspect of designing usable products that meet user needs and solve real-world problems. As Steve Jobs once said, "The next big thing is the one that makes the last big thing usable." This sentiment highlights the importance of user research in improving upon existing products and services to make them more accessible, efficient, and effective. Identifying user needs and pain points through research is critical to creating successful solutions that address real problems. By conducting user research, designers can gain insights into user behaviors, preferences, and challenges. This information is invaluable for identifying areas of improvement in existing products and discovering new opportunities for innovation.

Through user research, designers can gather feedback from real users, test their assumptions, and validate their design decisions. This iterative process is essential for creating user-centered products that meet the evolving needs of users. By incorporating user feedback throughout the design process, designers can create solutions that are intuitive, engaging, and meet the needs of their target audience. Ultimately, user research is the key to unlocking the potential of the next big thing by making it usable for real users.

Create

"If you think good design is expensive, you should look at the cost of bad design."

— Dr. Ralf Speth, Chief Executive Officer, Jaguar Land Rover

Design

When it comes to product design, creating something that is aesthetically pleasing and functional is essential. Good design has the power to make a product stand out from its competitors, drive sales, and ultimately contribute to the success of a business. However, creating a poorly designed product can have a detrimental impact on a company's bottom line. The cost of bad design goes beyond just the financial expenses of fixing or recalling a faulty product. It can damage a brand's reputation, cause customer dissatisfaction, and result in lost sales.

To create good design, it is important to invest time and resources in researching the needs and preferences of the target audience. By understanding what the consumer wants, designers can create a product that is not only visually appealing but also meets the functional requirements of the user. The creation process should involve continuous testing and refinement to ensure that the final product is of high quality and meets customer expectations. With good design, a product can become more than just an item for purchase; it can become a reflection of the values and identity of the brand, fostering a connection between the consumer and the product.

Validate

"If we want users to like our software, we should design it to behave like a likeable person: respectful, generous and helpful."

— Alan Cooper, Software Designer and Programmer

User Testing

User testing is a critical part of the software development process. It involves getting feedback from actual users to validate whether a product meets their needs and expectations. This process is vital because it ensures that the software is designed to behave like a likable person - respectful, generous, and helpful. By gathering insights from user testing, designers can identify pain points and make improvements that enhance the user experience.

To validate the likability of software, designers must be mindful of the importance of respect, generosity, and helpfulness in their design. Respectful design means creating software that is intuitive and easy to use. Generosity means providing users with features that go above and beyond their expectations. Helpful design means anticipating the needs of users and providing them with the support they need to achieve their goals. By incorporating these values into the design process and validating them through user testing, designers can ensure that their software is well-received and well-loved by their target audience.