Books
I like to use a strong theoretical basis to come up with smooth, practical solutions.
Especially after my studies I've read books on interaction design and product design, like:
I focus on qualitative research with actual users to create simple highly functional solutions.
Interaction design is about behaviour. I think interaction problems can only be correctly and with more certainty be indentified, tested and solved by observing real users performing realistic tasks in a (close to) natural setting using actual content.
Even low-cost user research through interviews and observation is highly effective for coming up with useful and intuitive solutions. I prefer to stay away from "blind" statistics, as they often provoke bias, unsupported opinions and assumptions.
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I like to use a strong theoretical basis to come up with smooth, practical solutions.
Especially after my studies I've read books on interaction design and product design, like:
First off it's important to find out what to keep and drop about an existing product if something is replaced. The focus should be to make the product better than it's predecessor was. Sounds easy? Plenty of changes from even the Google's and Microsofts of this world weren't well-received though.
Aside from the obvious stakeholder interview, this involves interviews with users, setting up observation sessions using previous and competing or similar products and aligning user needs with those of the client and possible other stakeholders.
I work daily in software like Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and Krita and exercise regularly on HTML, CSS and some light PHP. I am not a programmer.
I'm a quick learner and enjoy learning something if I use it on a frequent basis, even if I'm pioneering for the team.
In some cases it makes more sense to start prototyping, but I generally prefer sketching. Often I pair this with software to create wireframes, like Illustrator or quick responsive wireframes in HTML and CSS.
I tend to work with real content with well-defined edge cases from the start to avoid disappointments from the client later on, and to avoid having to do a lot of work again or entirely different.
Partners and clients describe me as thorough, analytical and ambitious (I know, you heard that before), even social, while at times pleasantly stubborn.
They complimented my knowledge of and experience in user research and ability to use what's needed and not stick to a standard pattern.
With sketches, prototypes or development builds ready, it's (again) time for user testing. Even cost effective user testing can and should drive the majority of the iteration after. In the end, the success of a product depends on how well it is regarded its users.
When observing, I will stay neutral, won't interfere (unless stuck) and will only ask questions or write notes at key points. Sometimes we will have to go slightly back on a task to enable memory or to allow the participant to think aloud.
Roles I had within teams varied from art director, game artist and project lead to SEO consultant and user researcher, where I see myself more as an interaction designer, information architect, UX researcher, or even the popular term: UX designer.
Even on a finished product, there are often things to improve, and changing demands/products/needs or emerging competitors likely also alter the users' needs. This means periodical user testing is a good habit to keep the product's quality up to par.
A lot of companies often use quantitative research to assess this, I don't. Aside believing that quantitative research has more use for demographic purposes, I'm also a strong believer of online privacy. Therefore I never use any forms of tracking on websites.
This means I don't work with tools like Google Analytics and keep to actual user observation sessions that show behaviour of actual users, not statistics that often lead to (many time wrong) assumptions by either the client or myself.
This is all a bit concise and limited. Of course I would like to explain anything above more, in person or through a call. Do get in touch!
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