UX documentation is the process of systematically capturing key information, design decisions, and project progress throughout the user experience design process in order to align teams, create shared knowledge, enable iteration, and ultimately design better products that meet user needs.
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FAQ:
Why is UX documentation important?
UX documentation is important because it captures the research, design rationale, and development process behind a product. This helps align stakeholders, facilitates handoffs between teams, allows for iteration, and prevents knowledge loss.
When should you start documenting your UX process?
Documentation should start at the very beginning of the UX design process, even when just kicking off a new project. Take notes during stakeholder interviews, user research, ideation sessions, etc. to capture key insights as they emerge.
What should you include in UX documentation?
UX documentation should include project briefs, user research findings, stakeholder interviews, personas, user flows, sitemaps, wireframes, prototypes, design specs, and usability test plans and reports.
Who needs access to UX documentation?
UX documentation should be accessible to all stakeholders – this includes designers, product managers, engineers, leadership. It ensures everyone has context on the product vision and design history.
How should you organize UX documentation?
UX documentation should be structured logically in a central hub like a wiki or design collaboration tool. Use consistent naming conventions, dates, and organizational tags to make information easy to find and update.