samuelviani-design-methodology.md
Created by Samuel Viani
My product design methodology provides a flexible framework for taking a product from an initial problem or opportunity through to launch and ongoing improvement.
UNDERSTAND → RESEARCH → EXPLORE → DESIGN → IMPLEMENT → DELIVER
These six stages provide guidance rather than a rigid sequence. Depending on the project, scope, constraints and level of definition, work may begin at different points, move between stages, or revisit earlier activities. Iteration is continuous throughout the process:
Iterate to simplify: during understanding, research and exploration, continuously challenge assumptions, clarify problems, reduce complexity and focus the opportunity.
Iterate to improve: during design, implementation and delivery, continuously test, refine, validate and improve the solution based on evidence and feedback.
AI is an integrated capability throughout the methodology. AI tools can support research, synthesis, ideation, visual exploration, prototyping, design, implementation, documentation and optimisation. AI may accelerate or change how work is performed, but it does not replace the need for human judgement, product thinking, creativity, validation, or accountability.
Establish a clear understanding of the problem, context, opportunity and constraints before deciding what to design.
| Activities | Outputs |
|---|---|
| • Problem definition | |
| • Context and constraints | |
| • User needs | |
| • Business goals | |
| • Brand values | |
| • Value proposition | |
| • Product vision | |
| • Stakeholder perspectives | |
| • Existing product and ecosystem assessment | |
| • Technical and operational constraints | |
| • Success criteria | |
| • Initial assumptions and hypotheses | |
| • Identification of unknowns and key questions | • Problem statement |
| • Project context | |
| • Goals and objectives | |
| • Constraints | |
| • Value proposition | |
| • Success criteria | |
| • Initial hypotheses | |
| • Key questions to investigate | |
| • Defined opportunity space |
AI can help structure an ambiguous brief, identify assumptions, surface unanswered questions, analyse existing documentation, synthesise stakeholder input, and challenge initial framing. AI-generated conclusions should be treated as hypotheses rather than evidence.