How design documentation improves the design process
Product teams take into account several considerations when designing the optimal product. They assess the simplicity of the user experience, its usability, technical feasibility, and more. And, while there is no one-size-fits-all approach to creating solutions that meet the real needs of customers, designers are continuously exploring and discovering scalable methods to maintain the quality of their workflows.
Design teams at various stages and sizes are increasingly realizing the value of documentation as a means to maintain a consistent and effective process. Integrating documentation into the design process enhances and preserves the process.
We came to this realization after experiencing a challenging period during the early stages of forming the design team at Kora, where our process was still being established. At the time, our team had grown from two designers to seven in just eight months. This sudden growth was accompanied with the challenging task of crafting numerous pan-African payment features that required urgent development. It became paramount for us to figure out ways to ensure our workflow was seamless, with efficient execution. Enter the design documentation.
Key components of effective design documentation
The main challenge of a design process lies in its application. It may not be necessary to apply your complete design process to every feature. However, there are non-negotiable aspects that must be implemented in all cases. Design documentation can be used to ensure that every project passes through the most essential parts of your process.
Here are some key components your design documentation should have:
What problem are we solving? [Description of the problem]
What do we plan to build? [Details of the solution]
User flows and diagrams
Wireframes
Prototypes
Quality checklist
Process checklist
Important links and related documents
Timelines and milestones
Notes, questions and suggestions
Creating a document that includes these sections, for each project, strengthens and protects the consistency in your process and ensures that a standard is maintained. Over time, designers will become accustomed to the practice.
A year later, we have witnessed significant improvements in the quality and consistency of our design workflow, as well as the quality of our output. The uniformity in our process enables us to focus on answering the right questions about the products we build. And each iteration allows us to uncover a deeper context of the user experience on these solutions.
We have also adopted the practice of including links to the documentation in our tickets. This allows the design reviewer and other stakeholders to fully comprehend the work's context.
"A design doc would inform them (stakeholders) on how and why some design decisions were made. It doesn’t [even] have to be formal, it could be in form of scribbling and jottings; as long as the next person will be able to understand it." - Adeyinka Jokanola
Design documentation is a fantastic tool that helps design teams establish a single source of truth. It not only enhances clarity but also ensures that information on each project is readily available and accessible when needed.
"Easy communication between product designers and other stakeholders is very important. A well-drafted documentation of design features will save a lot of time in the long-run, while ensuring the best quality for future iterations." - Mario Nomso
In conclusion, documentation is essential in product design because it provides a clear record of the design process, allowing designers to track their progress and follow the established procedures as they craft solutions and make informed decisions. It also enables designers to communicate ideas and specifications to other stakeholders, ensuring that everyone is on the same page. Additionally, documentation serves as a valuable resource for future reference, making sure that the product can be maintained and improved over time. By incorporating documentation into the design process, teams can enhance and safeguard their workflow.
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Here’s a sample design doc template you could use for your team.
