EchoUser | UX Research & Design Agency

Sprints

A time-constrained, structured process for rapid ideation and design with cross-functional groups to work on a specific problem or opportunity.

Typically conducted in 3-5 days to set a baseline for further user-centered design and development.

Used in development phases:

Design.

Related services:

RITE - Rapid Iteration.

Workshops.

User Interviews.

Strategy.

Featured

Highlight case studies and blog stories associated with Sprints.

Nimbula Cloud Services Research & Design

Simplifying Cloud Management

We set out to create a user-friendly interface to deliver the powerful functionality of IaaS.

Stitcher Iterative Test & Design

The RITE Method for Internet Radio

Iteratively mining for the”A-ha!” moment, the key point where a user goes from casual to habitual.

Ultimate Software: Visual Design

Unified Visual Identity

Creating a visual style guide to differentiate Ultipro with a look and feel that is “bravely human.”

Collections

Domain and method sample work that commonly utilize Sprints service.

Enterprise

Global companies need UX that can harness sophistication & depth.

Case

FlashRay Full-Service UX

All-inclusive Partner

NetAppBranding. Design Review. Full-Service.

Story

The Power of a Simple Usability Test

From skeptic to advocate: my career in UX research shows how usability testing evolved into a vital tool for improving user experiences and making impactful design decisions based on real user feedback.

April 15, 2024

Common service:

Full-Service

A comprehensive user-centered design philosophy and process across every stage of product development.

Craft a deep understanding of the user, context, and interaction design with the product and service.

Case

Autodesk UX Partnership

Long term UX support

AutodeskDiary Studies. Full-Service. Surveys.

Notable value:

Harness Ambiguity

Take energy from the new challenges we face every day. Be nimble and engaged in navigating uncertainty.

Story

3 Things to Consider When Taking On an Enterprise Design Project

Designing for enterprise requires focus on impact, certainty, and user expertise. Consider whether the app is sovereign or transient, as it affects design. Enterprise users are experts needing high data density and customizable UIs. Minimize extra steps to make the app more efficient and user-centric. Design for confidence in these complex systems.

July 13, 2017

Common service:

Usability Testing

Usability test a product early to quickly validate ideas, and test later to establish benchmarks. Continuously probe uncertainty throughout the process.

This applies to any development format: paper, wireframes, mockups, prototypes, and live products.

Story

Enterprise Software and Nielsen's Heuristics

User-centered design often takes a backseat in enterprise software, resulting in less-than-stellar user experiences. While Jakob Nielsen's heuristics can enhance enterprise applications, they require an organizational shift to prioritize the user experience, ultimately leading to a more engaging and efficient workplace.

January 24, 2012

Start-ups

Growth businesses need UX that can adapt to evolving needs.

Case

Drivescale Composable Infrastructure

Power and Flexibility through UX

DrivescaleConceptual Modeling. Full-Service. Interaction Design.

Case

Stitcher Iterative Test & Design

The RITE Method for Internet Radio

StitcherDiary Studies. Prototyping. RITE - Rapid Iteration.

Notable value:

Grit

Infuse passion, fortitude, and determination into getting things done. Hard work creates talent.

Story

The step by step guide of running an ideation workshop

I recently co-facilitated an ideation workshop at Emerson, where we used activities to generate innovative solutions. In this summary, I'll share the workshop's purpose, key aspects, and some tips for running a successful event. We aimed to align everyone's goals, encourage divergent thinking, and gain real-time input from participants.

May 8, 2019

Common service:

Personas

Personas are patterns of insights across user types based on real users.

They are a reference to help make design decisions and keep the user at the center of the design process.

Common service:

Journey Maps

Journey Maps are timeline visualizations of using a product to help broad understanding.

They highlight issues & opportunities for key personas across different stages.

Case

Mighty: Investment Management

Start-up Fintech Design

MightyContextual Inquiry. Conceptual Modeling. Interaction Design.

Common service:

Conceptual Modeling

A conceptual model is a simplified representation of relationships & hierarchy for a product or service.

It helps designers think of high level solutions and guide detailed design direction.

Notable value:

Creative Spirit

Diversity, curiosity, and adventure give us perspective. Get out there and pursue life.

Visual Design

Visual Design is the visual language, syntax, and overall look-and-feel that amplifies interaction design.

Case

Ultimate Software: Visual Design

Unified Visual Identity

Ultimate SoftwareBranding. Sprints. Usability Testing.

Story

Why Go Lo-Fi?

In UX design, low-fidelity artifacts can be valuable for fast, cheap idea development, focused critique, and better user/non-designer involvement. High-fidelity designs are important for final products, but low-fidelity sketches and prototypes offer essential reality checks for design success.

July 12, 2016

Notable value:

Creative Spirit

Diversity, curiosity, and adventure give us perspective. Get out there and pursue life.

Case

Threadflip Fashion Marketplace

Research & Visual Design

ThreadflipContextual Inquiry. Surveys. Interaction Design.

Common service:

Visual Design

Visual Design is applying the visual language that connects products to users.

Rules & syntax, design systems, and overall look-and-feel amplify the interaction design into full product design.

Story

Designing Avatars for Cats

National Cat Day is coming! 🎉 At EchoUser, our designer Jie Tang turned 4 feline faves into cartoons: Oscar the Ocicat, Sidra the Siamese, Percy the Persian, & Shirley the British Shorthair. Fun, quirky & lovable, share these cat avatars with fellow kitty enthusiasts! 😺🐾💕

October 27, 2017

Story

Designing Avatars for Dogs

It's National Dog Day! 🐾🎉 Our designer Jie Tang created adorable dog avatars: Frenchie the French Bulldog, Bueller the Black Lab, Penny the Pug, & Corn the Corgi. Cartoonified & full of personality, these canine cuties are perfect to share with dog lovers! 🐶💖✨

August 28, 2017

Story

Why UI Animation Matters

Motion design enhances software by guiding user attention and adding personality. UI animation makes products responsive and demonstrates craftsmanship. To create good CSS UI animation, animate opacity and transform properties, use fast and independent animations, and apply custom easings.

April 6, 2016