A Lean UX framework for creating a reusable product from start to finish

Abstract

Lean UX is a methodology that focuses on speeding up the UX process by getting rid of unnecessary elements, introducing new ways of working and thinking out-side the box. The motivation behind this thesis is the lack of frameworks for Lean UX development as well as bridging the gap between design and development. This is done through introducing a framework for Lean UX development, that focuses on reusability throughout the process.

To create the framework, I conducted a literature review on Lean UX practices and similar works with either processes or frameworks that target the development aspects of UX. The framework was implemented as part of a project at a company called Contiot. Contiot aims to digitalize the calibration process through creating a platform for creating, sharing and verifying digital calibration certificates. The goal of the project was to create the design for the final product. The framework was evaluated using a survey within the team consisting of seven members, and walkthroughs of the implemented framework were conducted externally for validation.

The literature review in combination with the company’s mission resulted in a framework consisting of four stages: The Define stage for determining the users, their usage and the structure of the platform in the form of a sitemap, the Ideate stage for creating tangible solutions and testing different ideas, the Prototype stage for creating a representation of the final product and finally the Handover stage for creating a smooth transition from design to development.

Through the evaluation it became evident that the framework was perceived as useful within the team during the process. The framework provides a methodical approach to the whole process and creates a shared understanding within the team. Throughout the process it became evident that there is a tradeoff between reusability and speed, where the more reusable something is the longer it usually takes to develop, which is important when considering creating different artefacts both in the long and short term. Turning the design into code proved more difficult than expected, and the current state of design to code software still need more research.