The activity of defining user needs through user stories provides a narrative framework that allows service planners to delve into the motivations, goals, and pain points of users. By articulating user needs within the context of real-life scenarios, it is possible to gain a deeper understanding of user experiences.
We create user stories to bring together insights we have gained from user research. To complete this worksheet you will need to have completed some user research or have a prior understanding of your users.
The clue’s in the name! We are creating stories. These are based around fictional persons who bring to life key insights from our research. We will tell a story about who they might be, what they need and why. This helps us to empathise with them and clarify what we need to help them to do.
The activity of generating ideas through creating "how might we" questions helps to reframe a challenge as an opportunity, encouraging ideas to flow more easily. This approach sparks diverse ideation by prompting exploration of various possibilities. Once ideas are generated, prioritisation ensures that the most impactful and feasible solutions are selected for further development.
In the design process, finding inspiration from established designs, whether they are within the same sector or from diverse sources, provides a valuable foundation for ideation. Sketching serves as a dynamic means of translating abstract ideas into tangible representations, enabling designers to visually explore multiple concepts rapidly. This process not only fosters a free-flowing exchange of ideas but also encourages experimentation and iteration.
