PRODUCT PORTFOLIO: 2. DESIGN & BUILD

Here’s what I believe about designing right.

I believe firmly in MVPs. I want to get my product out there, even if just for beta testers, as soon as possible. In doing so, I follow four key design principles:

  1. It must work. All key functionality must consistently work as designed.

  2. It must be simple. Things should feel clean and intuitive. All the complex stuff should be under the hood, or one extra click away for power users.

  3. Text must be helpful and human. Jargon or robot error messages slay me.

  4. Doors must be clearly marked. You should generally understand where a  button or link will take you next. The sole exception: when the next step is a delightful surprise.

EXAMPLE

Investor Registration mockups (Prodigy Finance)

Here are some high-fidelity mockups of a new investor registration process. Elements include:

  • Clear indication of where you are in the process (1-2-3-4 circles at top)

  • Human statements/questions (“Who’s investing?” and “Almost done!”)

  • Imbedded help text, indicated as clear links (blue “What is this?”)

  • Grey text to indicate details about your selection, e.g., when you select INSEAD bond, it’ll give you key stats about the return - This is similar to a shopping cart where it indicates the product and price.

 

My process & toolbox

  • I write out specs and UAT scenarios in Word/Google Docs.

  • I wireframe using Balsamiq and prototype using Axure.

  • I track tickets using Pivotal Tracker, Jira, or post-its on a whiteboard.

  • I project manage non-developer work using Google Sheets, Asana, or Trello.

  • I communicate mostly via Slack, but I’m also responsive on email—getting close to “inbox zero” by the end of every day.  

Design-Build-Logos
 

THE REST OF MY PRODUCT PORTFOLIO:

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PORTFOLIO INTRO

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1. LEARN

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2. DESIGN & BUILD

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3. LAUNCH

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4. OPTIMIZE