User experience (UX) is at the heart of the digital product design process. Intensive efforts are made during the discovery phase to understand user needs, create prototypes and validate concepts. However, it is essential to emphasize the importance of continuous support from UX designers during and after the development phase to guarantee the final success of the product.
Objectives of support during the development phase
Adapt models to technical constraints
One of the main responsibilities of UX designers during development is to adapt the initial mockups according to the technical constraints discovered by the developers. This requires close collaboration between the design and development teams to ensure the feasibility of the proposed solutions.
Help developers understand models
Mockups designed by UX designers can sometimes require additional explanations for developers. Constant support helps clarify the intentions behind the designs and promote faithful implementation of the planned functionalities.
Carry out graphic recipes after delivery
After the delivery of a feature or product version, UX designers play a crucial role in the visual and functional analysis of what has been implemented. Graphic recipes help ensure that the final product meets design standards and provides an optimal user experience.
Contribute to change management in teams
The support of UX designers is not limited to technical aspects, but also includes the human dimension. They can contribute to change management by helping teams adopt new user-centered working methodologies. They thus promote a culture of collaboration and innovation.
Help set up a tracking plan and data monitoring
A crucial aspect of supporting UX designers during the development phase lies in the integration of data and the implementation of an appropriate tracking plan. UX designers can collaborate with technical teams to define events and key indicators to track in order to measure the effectiveness of the implemented features. This includes collecting data on users' actual product usage, user journeys, conversion rates, and other relevant metrics. Through in-depth analysis of this data, UX designers can identify trends, friction points, and opportunities for continuous improvement in the user experience. Close collaboration with technical teams and the implementation of precise performance monitoring thus contribute to guaranteeing user-centered design and adjusting development strategies based on insights drawn from the data.
Bonus: user testing and continuous iterations
In addition to direct support during development, UX designers can also organize user testing and continuous iterations based on the data collected to constantly improve the user experience. These activities are part of a process of continuous improvement of the product.
It is crucial to recognize that although the initial discovery phase is often emphasized in the design process, support during the development and acceptance phases is of paramount importance. The time invested by UX designers in these phases is less significant compared to the initial phase. However, it is essential to ensure consistency between the initial vision and the final product.
Importance of post-development support
After the development phase, UX designers continue to play a crucial role in optimizing the user experience. They can :
- Perform usability analyzes to identify areas for improvement.
- Propose iterations and updates to respond to user feedback.
- Collaborate with marketing teams to ensure consistent communication of user experience.
The added value of ongoing support
User experience optimization
By remaining involved throughout the development process, UX designers ensure that the final product provides an optimal user experience, meeting the expectations and needs of end users.
Quick problem solving
Thanks to their design expertise and understanding of user needs, UX designers can quickly identify and resolve interface or flow issues that may arise during development.
Effective communication within teams
By working closely with developers, UX designers facilitate communication and understanding between technical and design teams, reducing misunderstandings and errors potential.
Continuous improvement and innovation
By encouraging user testing and continuous iterations, UX designers contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the company, thereby fostering the development of high-quality products and meeting the evolving needs of users.
Conclusion
Continuous support from UX designers throughout the life cycle of a project makes it possible to optimize the user experience and effectively resolve problems identified along the way. It also helps foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within development teams. This integrated approach is essential to ensure the success and sustainability of digital products in a constantly evolving competitive environment.
Florianne Nollet, UX-UI designer consultant at UX-Republic
