Victoria Bevan

Do the right thing.

Do the thing right.

One of my rules in consulting is simple: never solve the problem I am asked to solve. Why such a counterintuitive rule? Because, invariably, the problem I am asked to solve is not the real, fundamental, root problem.

– Donald A. Norman, The Design of Everyday Things

Donald A. Norman's The Design of Everyday Things was the first design book I read and the reason that I went on to change career into UX Design. He explains the Double Diamond Model of Design but also simplifies it further; do the right thing, do the thing right.

My approach is simple: ensure I am solving the right problem, and then solve it in a way that meets true human needs. This approach frees designers from constraints, and results in products that really matter.

Key UX Techniques & Processes

Every project is different, and the techniques and processes I use are tailored accordingly. Here are some of the key methods that I employ.

Agile methodology

The agile process allows for products and software to be designed and developed in short iterative and incremental work cycles. I see many tremendous benefits to working in this way; daily stand-up (or 'scrum') allows for difficulties to be tackled early on, and concepts are tested quickly and often, ensuring the right product is made.

Competitive analysis

Evaluating both direct and indirect competitors' strengths and weaknesses can help discover what makes a product or service unique, and offers a way to assess usability in context and in comparison with other sites.

Ethnographic research

This is a qualitative research method where users are observed in their natural environments. Whether passively observing or employing contextual inquiry - interacting and interviewing users as you go - I use this technique to gain in-depth insight into users behaviours and situations that could otherwise be compromised in a formal setting.

Affinity mapping

This is an incredibly important technique for synthesising research. Insights are written on post-its and grouped together to allow for patterns and themes to emerge. I find this an incredibly exciting moment in the UX process; it is often surprising what is found. From this, one or more personas can be formed, a crucial tool when moving into the design phase.

Design studio

During a design studio, individuals generate ideas around a specific problem through quick sketching, pitching, critiquing, and refining. I love facilitating these workshops - it is fascinating how beneficial they can be in helping visualise complex problems, making smarter decisions faster, and creating a common vision and purpose across teams.

Sketching & wireframing

I love sketching out concepts; getting ideas out of my head and onto paper frees me of constraints and allows me to test quicker, ultimately creating a better product that really meets human needs in the right way.

Rapid prototyping

I create prototypes quickly to allow for testing and iterating as early on in the process as possible, without any code being written. Whether it be a paper prototype or a final mock up, this technique frees me from attachment to specific designs to focus on what users need.

Usability testing

Whether for existing or new products, I test them with users to identify why certain areas need improving - something that cannot be found through quantitive data. This is very important in establishing the root cause of an issue and the right way to improve it.

UX Researcher & Designer