Project Samples

Lauren Rodriguez | Designer & Visual Problem Solver based in Salt Lake City, UT

Design Process

So much of my day-to-day work is less about designing and more about understanding and learning more about customer problems, current systems, and business opportunities, and the competitive landscape of the products our users are accustomed to.

Depending on the project, I use a variety of methods to aid in the design process – be it the research and discovery phase, or ideation and iteration.

One of my favorite resources for guided sessions and workshops: https://spin.atomicobject.com/2017/05/18/what-is-design-thinking/

ForOverstock RoleSr. UX Designer
Date2017–2021 ToolsFigma, Figjam

The design process is less about knowing how to make a pretty flow chart or Figma affinity map and more about using a variety of tools to think through a problem or a complex set of problems. It's asking yourself and your team how new information will guide you in making decisions or building a roadmap of how and when to solve customer problems. Design thinking is critical thinking that will take work to a more informed level if done well.

An example of customer segment mapping. I have found this to be an especially helpful catalyst for confirming current flows with back-end teams and proposing new ones.

Another method for gaining qualitative and behavioral insights, is watching tester perform and talk through a series of unmoderated tasks. I have found it helpful to map out the journey when I watch the videos. I make a note of comments they made and navigation friction points.

Assumption mapping is a great tool for roadmap planning, especially when there are several ideas to prioritize and allocate resources to.

One of my favorite methods of research is to create a comparative analysis chart with top competitors to understand what features customers can access and where.