Core Principle of Agile UX

For the Agile approach, there are some terminologies that everyone who’s using this approach should be aware of.

1. Real-Executable timelines

When starting with any project, one of the most important things to consider is timelines and feasibility of execution. Setting up realistic timelines and planning how to execute things under time is necessary to get success at the end of the sprint. Agile UX puts major emphasis on this through regular daily scrums making sure to meet regularly, discuss and collaborate, which are also highly valued. The responsibility of the scrum master is to make sure everything is in sync and keeps everyone informed to make sure that there are no obstacles in the way of the project’s progress.

2. Integrating design at every step

Agile UX believes in equal participation in design and development. Proper time is given to the design and at each step of the agile cycle design is iterated to be the best version of it. The main goal of agile UX is to make sure that the products produced at the conclusion of each phase are not only accessible to the design and engineering teams but can also be used by users in a real-world setting, which is achieved by validating and reviewing designs at each step.

3. Adaptive & Robust Designs

Being responsive and adaptive for digital products is of utmost importance. When everything is online, people use it on the web and mobile. On this basis, the designs should be made responsive in nature so that at every update the design and development efforts are not required to update code or designs every time a new feature is being launched. The focus should only be on that new feature, the rest of the design and code should be robust and adaptable to the new changes. QA work is important for this to make sure all the regression tests are done properly to support the adaptive nature of the design.

4. Effective communication and collaboration

Just like any other approach, communication, and collaboration hold true for “Agile UX” as well. All team members must be on the same page in order for the teams to stay on task and meet project deadlines. Complications must also be managed quickly. Everyone should keep all the team members aligned on updates and requirements, also incorporating demos and feedback sessions should also be regularly arranged to encourage collaboration.

5. Continuous Testing

There is a high chance that any changes might be required or any bug might be found during testing, in agile ux testing everything at every step is necessary. Agile UX largely relies on testing and user feedback because it emphasizes equally on creating effective designs whenever a stage is complete. The flaws of a design, or prototype are brought to light in this situation, and the designers can then take action to fix them. Constant testing should have the overall objectives of the project and the business in mind, in addition to highlighting the key problems. 

There has been a lot of buzz about Agile and Lean UX. Knowing about each one is equally important as starting with either one of these approaches. Both the terms “Lean” and “Agile” are described to show the approach a company follows toward solving a problem. Depending upon individual, team, or organization level preference both of these approaches are being used.