My Design Process: From Brief to Handoff
A behind-the-scenes look at how I approach design projects — the frameworks, tools, and habits that keep everything on track.
Every designer has their own way of working. After years of refining mine, here’s the process I follow for most client projects.
1. Discovery & Research
Before opening Figma, I spend time understanding the problem. This means:
- Reading the brief carefully (twice)
- Researching competitors and similar products
- Understanding the target audience
- Identifying key metrics for success
This phase usually takes 1-2 days, depending on the project size.
2. Information Architecture
I map out the content structure before touching any visuals. What pages are needed? What’s the user flow? What information goes where?
A simple sitemap and wireframe saves hours of revisions later.
3. Visual Design
This is where the magic happens. I start with the most important page first — usually the homepage or the primary dashboard view.
My approach:
- Start with typography and spacing
- Build a mini design system (colors, buttons, cards)
- Design in components, not pages
- Work in real content, never Lorem Ipsum
4. Iteration & Feedback
I share designs early and often. Waiting until everything is “perfect” is a trap. Quick feedback loops lead to better outcomes.
5. Handoff & Documentation
Clean Figma files with proper naming, auto-layout, and component documentation. Developers shouldn’t have to guess anything.
The Key Takeaway
Process isn’t about being rigid — it’s about having a framework that keeps you focused while leaving room for creativity. The best designs come from structured exploration.