Treating custom requirements in ERP systems design as rigid contracts stifles creativity, while approaching them as collaborative conversations fosters innovation. Here’s a clearer, streamlined process for designing effective human-computer interactions:
- Low-Fidelity Mockups and User Flows: Start with simple sketches and user flows to outline how a sequence of interfaces might look. Identify user actions, their timing, and desired outcomes across various starting contexts. Requirements at this stage form a wishlist of user-driven system outcomes.
- High-Fidelity Mockups: Transition to high-fidelity mockups, allowing UX designers to refine low-fidelity designs into near-final interfaces. This step incorporates feedback and iteration, ensuring the design aligns with user needs before ERP software development begins.
- ERP Software Development Alignment: The series of wireframes (low and high-fidelity) should clearly communicate software development needs. Using canvas software, tag interfaces with user stories to provide context and clarity.
- Real-World Data Integration: Incorporate near-real-world data to simulate the user experience, revealing new design considerations and opportunities for improvement.
- Continuous Collaboration: Maintain ongoing conversations and collaboration throughout the process, including after handing off to software developers, to ensure the design evolves effectively.
This conversational approach keeps creativity alive, avoids rigid contracts, and ensures the final interface meets user expectations.