I work in two diamonds. First I open up to understand the problem, then narrow it to one clear definition. Then I open up again to explore solutions, and narrow down to the one that holds up with real users.
Go wide before deciding anything. Heuristic evaluations of what exists, competitive analysis, surveys and user interviews to understand behaviors, needs and pain points.
Heuristic review · Surveys · Interviews · LyssnaTurn research into one clear problem. Affinity mapping, personas and scenarios, How Might We statements, and card sorting to shape the information architecture.
Affinity maps · Personas · Card sorting · FigJamExplore more than one answer. Sitemaps and user flows, quick sketches, then lo-fi to hi-fi wireframes built on a style guide and reusable components.
User flows · Wireframes · Design systems · FigmaTest with real people and refine. Think-aloud, five-second, first-click and tree tests, another pass on what I learn, and an annotated handoff developers can build from.
Usability testing · Maze · Prototypes · Handoff