Not every engagement needs the same amount of discovery, design or development. I keep the stages flexible, but the sequence below explains how I move from uncertainty to a deliverable that can be reviewed and implemented. Smaller projects can combine stages, while larger products can repeat them feature by feature.
01Step
Define users and repeated tasks
I identify who uses the app, what they need frequently, what is occasional and what requires special permission or role logic.
Navigation can prioritize real usage frequency rather than treating every feature as equally important.
At this stage I document the decision at the level the team actually needs. That can mean a simple approved direction for a small website or a more explicit set of states, components and notes for a product with several contributors. The goal is enough clarity to move forward confidently without creating documentation that nobody will maintain.
Feedback is most useful when it is tied to the objective of the stage. I separate preference from functional risk, explain tradeoffs when there are multiple valid options and refine the solution without losing the underlying hierarchy. This keeps review focused and prevents late changes from accidentally undoing earlier decisions.
02Step
Map end to end flows
I document entry, decisions, confirmations, failures and return paths for core journeys.
The design includes the states between successful screens, which is where many usability problems occur.
At this stage I document the decision at the level the team actually needs. That can mean a simple approved direction for a small website or a more explicit set of states, components and notes for a product with several contributors. The goal is enough clarity to move forward confidently without creating documentation that nobody will maintain.
Feedback is most useful when it is tied to the objective of the stage. I separate preference from functional risk, explain tradeoffs when there are multiple valid options and refine the solution without losing the underlying hierarchy. This keeps review focused and prevents late changes from accidentally undoing earlier decisions.
03Step
Create low fidelity mobile structures
I design content hierarchy, navigation placement, forms and screen relationships without spending early effort on visual polish.
The interaction model can be reviewed and changed quickly.
At this stage I document the decision at the level the team actually needs. That can mean a simple approved direction for a small website or a more explicit set of states, components and notes for a product with several contributors. The goal is enough clarity to move forward confidently without creating documentation that nobody will maintain.
Feedback is most useful when it is tied to the objective of the stage. I separate preference from functional risk, explain tradeoffs when there are multiple valid options and refine the solution without losing the underlying hierarchy. This keeps review focused and prevents late changes from accidentally undoing earlier decisions.
04Step
Establish the visual system
I define type scale, color, surfaces, spacing, icon treatment and core components that match the product personality.
The app gains a recognizable identity without sacrificing clarity on small screens.
At this stage I document the decision at the level the team actually needs. That can mean a simple approved direction for a small website or a more explicit set of states, components and notes for a product with several contributors. The goal is enough clarity to move forward confidently without creating documentation that nobody will maintain.
Feedback is most useful when it is tied to the objective of the stage. I separate preference from functional risk, explain tradeoffs when there are multiple valid options and refine the solution without losing the underlying hierarchy. This keeps review focused and prevents late changes from accidentally undoing earlier decisions.
05Step
Design feature screens and states
I expand the approved system across primary features, loading, empty, selected, disabled, validation and relevant error states.
The implementation team receives a more complete product rather than only ideal success screens.
At this stage I document the decision at the level the team actually needs. That can mean a simple approved direction for a small website or a more explicit set of states, components and notes for a product with several contributors. The goal is enough clarity to move forward confidently without creating documentation that nobody will maintain.
Feedback is most useful when it is tied to the objective of the stage. I separate preference from functional risk, explain tradeoffs when there are multiple valid options and refine the solution without losing the underlying hierarchy. This keeps review focused and prevents late changes from accidentally undoing earlier decisions.
06Step
Prototype core journeys
I connect onboarding, navigation and high value actions in an interactive prototype.
The team can evaluate the sequence and feel of the experience before code locks in the flow.
At this stage I document the decision at the level the team actually needs. That can mean a simple approved direction for a small website or a more explicit set of states, components and notes for a product with several contributors. The goal is enough clarity to move forward confidently without creating documentation that nobody will maintain.
Feedback is most useful when it is tied to the objective of the stage. I separate preference from functional risk, explain tradeoffs when there are multiple valid options and refine the solution without losing the underlying hierarchy. This keeps review focused and prevents late changes from accidentally undoing earlier decisions.
07Step
Review accessibility and ergonomics
I check contrast, target sizing, hierarchy, text density, destructive actions and common one handed interaction considerations.
The app is more comfortable to operate and communicates important state changes more clearly.
At this stage I document the decision at the level the team actually needs. That can mean a simple approved direction for a small website or a more explicit set of states, components and notes for a product with several contributors. The goal is enough clarity to move forward confidently without creating documentation that nobody will maintain.
Feedback is most useful when it is tied to the objective of the stage. I separate preference from functional risk, explain tradeoffs when there are multiple valid options and refine the solution without losing the underlying hierarchy. This keeps review focused and prevents late changes from accidentally undoing earlier decisions.
08Step
Prepare handoff and support build review
I organize components and assets, explain non obvious behavior and review development output when included.
Visual and interaction decisions survive the transition from Figma to the shipped app.
At this stage I document the decision at the level the team actually needs. That can mean a simple approved direction for a small website or a more explicit set of states, components and notes for a product with several contributors. The goal is enough clarity to move forward confidently without creating documentation that nobody will maintain.
Feedback is most useful when it is tied to the objective of the stage. I separate preference from functional risk, explain tradeoffs when there are multiple valid options and refine the solution without losing the underlying hierarchy. This keeps review focused and prevents late changes from accidentally undoing earlier decisions.