Back to the Drawing Board: My Real UX Design Process

There’s a common misconception that design is a straight line: idea → execution → done. But in reality? It’s more like: idea → attempt → fail → rethink → iterate → test → revise → almost-there → feedback → back-to-square-one → progress.

And honestly? That’s what I love about it.

Bringing a design to life — whether it’s a digital interface, an interactive prototype, or even just a simple user flow — is rarely a one-and-done experience. For me, the process often starts with a spark of inspiration or a rough sketch. Maybe I’m imagining a more intuitive way to onboard a user, or a feature that could make life a little easier for someone. But ideas are just the beginning.

Execution is where the work happens.

Sometimes, I’ll start building something in one program — and halfway through, I realize it’s not quite the right tool for the job. So I switch. I go from Figma to Webflow, or from paper wireframes to interactive mockups. I experiment. I try things that don’t work. I move things around, throw them out, and start again.

And I’m okay with that. Because starting over isn’t failure — it’s refinement.

Design is not about getting it perfect on the first try. It’s about staying open, listening closely, and constantly asking:

Does this make sense for the user?

Does this solve their problem, or just look nice on my portfolio?

Could my mom use this? Could my students understand it?

Feedback is my best tool. I share my designs early — sometimes when they still feel a bit messy. I get input. I observe reactions. And then I go back. I tweak. I simplify. I clarify. I cut the fluff and lean into the essentials.

Every edit, every new version, is a step closer to something that not only works but actually resonates.

This back-and-forth process might sound exhausting, but it’s where the real magic happens. It’s where creativity meets problem-solving. It’s where empathy guides decision-making. And it's how good ideas become great designs — by being tested, challenged, reshaped, and reimagined.

So yes, I’ve gone back to the drawing board more times than I can count. But every time, I come back stronger — not because I’m chasing perfection, but because I’m committed to designing with real people in mind.

That’s the heart of UX. And that’s the process I’ll never stop trusting.