Master the complete design process — from recognizing a problem to presenting a tested solution.
Learn — read and understand
Step 1 — Identify the problem (Empathize + Define)
Every design begins by understanding a real problem. You observe people, ask questions, and look for frustrations or unmet needs. Then you define the problem in a single, specific sentence called a problem statement. A precise problem statement is the most important step — it guides every decision that follows.
Step 2 — Research and gather information
After defining the problem, you research existing solutions. What has already been tried? What works and what does not? What materials are available? Research prevents you from reinventing the wheel and helps you build on existing knowledge.
Step 3 — Generate ideas (Ideate)
Generate as many ideas as possible — even impractical or funny ones. This phase is called ideation. The goal is quantity, not quality. Brainstorm alone and with others. Research shows that the best ideas rarely appear in the first five — they emerge after you exhaust the obvious answers.
Steps 4–5 — Prototype, Test, and Improve
Select your best idea and build a simple physical model called a prototype. Test it against the original problem statement. Does it actually solve the problem? Collect feedback from real users. Then use what you learned to improve. This cycle of test → learn → improve may happen many times.
Explore — tap each step to understand it deeper
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Problem statement formula
"[User] needs a way to [action] because [reason]." Be specific about WHO, WHAT, and WHY.
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Why quantity beats quality
The 10th idea is almost always better than the 1st. Force yourself to generate at least 8 ideas before evaluating any.
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What makes a good prototype?
Fast to build. Cheap to make. Testable. Not perfect. A prototype answers one specific question about the design.
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What to do with failure
Failure = data. Data = direction. Write down exactly what failed and why — that record becomes your redesign plan.
Put the design process steps in the correct order
Drag or tap a label, then drop/tap on a zone
Research
Test and improve
Identify problem
Ideate
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 5
Quiz — 5 questions on the design process
1Which step produces a SPECIFIC problem statement?
2During ideation, you should…
3A prototype must be…
4After testing, your prototype fails to solve the problem. You should…
5Why is the design process described as 'non-linear'?