Using agile methods we break large projects into small chunks and deliver working prototypes and draft designs as soon as possible. Regular evaluation and deliveries enable us to respond to changing priorities and reduce the risk presented by committing to solutions upfront.
Project design, development and evaluation occurs over a series of iterations. Each of these is defined by the User Stories that were previously prioritised in collaboration with stakeholders. These, like all decisions in the process, are constantly reviewed during and between iterations.
Each iteration produces deliverables for evaluation with an emphasis on enabling stakeholders to experience and provide feedback on working examples. These can even be released to a beta test group or the wider public after two or three iterations rather than waiting for the “end” of the project.
User Stories are at the heart of our design process
User Stories describe a participant’s actions from their own perspective in a simple yet powerful way. They emphasise needs and motivations, rather than technology or content.
User Stories allow us to easily communicate design intentions across diverse and multi-disciplinary project teams, and can be developed directly with stakeholders. By prioritising the User Stories that meet the most critical needs we ensure that our energy is spent on the most important aspects of the project. As a result the user experience remains the focus of design and development.
