Ideation

Think Like a User

Put yourself in the shoes of your target audience. What are their needs? What problems are they facing? This will not only help you think of the appropriate use cases, but it will also help you get on the same page as your teammates.

Keep It Simple

Start with a minimum viable product (MVP). Focus on the core features that solve the primary problem. Additional features can be added later if time allows.

Create user stories

User stories are documented features, described from the perspective of users. They should be formulated in the structure below.

Prioritize

The most efficient and standardized way to formulate user stories is with the MoSCoW method. MoSCoW stands for must, should, could, would. Each category reflects a larger importance, such that must features should be implemented long before could features.

As a [user], I [must/should/could/would] be able to [feature], so that I can [goal].

See also:

Wireframing

TL;DR

Start with creating Low-Fidelity Wireframes. Use pen and paper or simple online tools to sketch basic layouts. Focus on the flow and structure rather than details.
Iterate Quickly. Share your wireframes with teammates and get feedback. Make quick adjustments based on input.
Move to High-Fidelity Designs. Once the structure is finalized, use tools like Figma or Adobe XD to create detailed designs with actual UI components.

Detailed guide

Prototypes can be of a different level of fidelity - Low, Medium and High. Low meaning that they are very basic and static, High that they are even functional, even clickable and with certain logic in them.

Paper prototyping Start first by drawing sketches on paper. Sit together around the table and put some initial ideas on paper together. Draw interfaces. Draw initial Tab positions and Tab names. Where would pictures be? Where should buttons be?

Step 2 - Digital Prototyping

After you are satisfied with how your initial design looks, you can proceed to using one of the online tools for creating digital tools.

We suggest you using one of the following:

Option 1: Balsamiq (https://balsamiq.com)

Balsamiq enables creation of prototypes of low to medium level of fidelity. The prototypes still give sketch feeling and are easy to change and work with.

Option 2: Figma (https://figma.com)

Figma enables creation of prototypes form medium to high level of fidelity. Power in Figma is that you can even make a clickable prototype. Meaning that you can show the flow of how your application would be working when fully implemented.

When you are done with design, you may try creating Flows. Flows enable your Figma prototype to become clickable and it lets you showcase how your application would be working when fully implemented.