About the Double Diamond

The Double Diamond is a proven design process that helps teams to understand the customer, and deliver a proven solution. The Double Diamond does not have a set time frame and can be adjusted to fit any project in any industry. It has many facets, and when I teach business partners about the design process I simplify it into two components: Customer Problem and Design Solution. This simplification helps me break down the Double Diamond into digestible explanations.

Sometimes projects have timelines that are shortened because markets move quickly and consumer trends are a moving target. However, that does not deter me from being creative and determining possible UX methods within the given timeline. As a UX researcher, I develop and execute research methods that align with the Double Diamond and help the project move forward.

Customer Problem

When I need to focus on the customer problem, I work with the team to understand the customer’s journey with the product. If the team needs to discover the customer problem, then that is an opportunity to develop a persona or a journey map. These activities are often done during the first diamond of the Double Diamond. Once we start to understand the customer problem, then we are able to decide which problem to focus on and iterate on possible solutions. This is our opportunity to innovate for our customers.

Design Solution

When teams have defined the customer problem, then I determine if we need formative or evaluative research. Formative research helps us determine the design direction for the team. Evaluative research helps us to improve the designs so they are usable and intuitive. Whichever stage we are at within the project, I provide the appropriate research method within the given timeline. I am always transparent about the reason the research method is selected along with the timing of the research activities.

Teaching UX Research

I see teaching as part of my responsibility as a UX researcher. It is my job to learn about the customer’s wants & needs, and then to share this knowledge with my team. I enjoy teaching others on any topic. If I have the chance to educate the business partners about the design process, then I have the chance to help my partners develop empathy with designers and, in the end, build empathy with the customer. Every research readout is another opportunity to help my team members to expand on their customer empathy.

Icon Usage

I want to pay respect to the original icon designer.
Icons made by Vitaly Gorbachev from www.flaticon.com.
and
Icons made by Nikita Golubev from www.flaticon.com.