Many people think of software design as a chronological process, with specific steps followed in order, one after the other. It’s more helpful to think of it as recursive, like the scientific method.
Scientists often prove their initial hypothesis incorrect before the experimental phase begins through research. In the same way, software developers should be prepared to nix an initial idea and go back to the drawing board when testing proves an initial design or function isn’t going to work.
Find someone to handle testing at every phase
The only way to achieve a more cyclical, user-focused software design model is to test early and often.
It can be time-consuming, but agencies like XBOSoft Software Testing Company handle the testing and data logging, so you don’t have to. That means you can focus on other project tasks instead of reaching a standstill every time something goes wrong.
Consolidate and organize requirements
Once you’ve found a testing team, gather your requirements for functionality, user experience, and backend security.
Now is also the time to build your user stories and user maps. These big-picture concepts are the foundation for every feature the software should include.
You should also take the time to compile the types of testing data you require according to the software guidelines. There’s a high chance these will change as you begin designing and coding, but it’s good to have a starting point.
Design the UI and UX
The UI and UX are the software’s visual elements, which means they must fit perfectly with the aesthetic your target user base wants.
This phase goes far beyond color palettes, logos, and splash screens.
While those factors are essential, you must also consider how layouts affect user navigation, where the eye travels when they’re looking at the screen, and how you can place the graphics and content to create a natural flow that encourages intuitive use.
Create the code
There’s a good chance you’ll spend a lot of time in the UI/UX design process, but once you’re sure the visual templates meet user needs, the coding can begin.
Your backend developer can typically make short work of this phase, especially if the requirements, UI/UX, and intended user flow are well-clarified and tested before coding starts.
As different versions roll out– alpha, beta, and release– you’ll want to continue testing to find every bug affecting how easily your users can navigate the piece of software.
Deploy, monitor, and adjust
When it’s all said and done, deployment day finally arrives. As users interact with the software, be prepared to hear about several issues, from server lag to typos.
Fix them as quickly as they crop up, let your audience know you’re constantly rolling out improvements, then watch your software grow into a user-friendly staple in the industry.
Wrap up
Truly agile software design is reiterative, allowing developers space to move around the process rather than straight through it.
While you might deploy a perfectly usable product without testing and retesting, your product will never reach its peak state unless you’re willing to jump back in with improvements through each phase.
