Design documentation is an essential tool for any design project. It helps ensure clarity, consistency, and accuracy throughout the project. Documentation serves a number of purposes. It helps the designer to communicate with stakeholders and potential users, to record decisions and reasoning, and to provide a roadmap of the project. It can also be used to archive valuable information and as a reference for future projects.
Types of Design Documentation
There are multiple types of design documentation. Depending on the type of project and the end goal, some may be more applicable than others. Here are some common examples:
- Report: A comprehensive written report that covers the important elements of a project including goals, research, methods, results, and recommendations.
- Diagrams: High-level visual representations of complex processes. Flowcharts, site maps, wireframes, and other types of diagrams are all used in design documentation.
- Specification: A detailed outline that describes how each part of the design should look and work. Specifications provide a basis for testing, building, and deploying the design.
- User Guide: A document that introduces users to the project and its features. User guides can explain the user interface, options and preferences, and other details.
Creating Design Documentation
Creating design documentation is an important part of the design process. Here are some tips to help you create effective design documentation:
- Be organized: Create a plan or outline of the document before you begin. This will help you stay on track and avoid missing important details.
- Be concise: Keep the language simple and clear. Use plain language and avoid technical jargon.
- Be accurate: Double check the document for accuracy. This includes spell checking, grammar checks, and verifying facts.
- Be thorough: Include as much detail as necessary for the project. It is better to be over prepared than under prepared.
Benefits of Design Documentation
Good design documentation can be beneficial for designers, stakeholders, and users. Here are some of the main benefits of design documentation:
- Clarity: Documentation helps to clarify the project goals and objectives.
- Consistency: Documentation helps to ensure consistency in the design process.
- Accuracy: Documentation helps to ensure accuracy throughout the project.
- Roadmap: Document can serve as a roadmap throughout the project.
- Archive: Documentation helps to archive valuable information for future reference.
Examples of Design Documentation
Good design documentation can vary depending on the type of project and the end goal. Here are some examples of design documentation:
- Product specification: A detailed document that outlines how the product should look and work.
- Usability test report: A report documenting the results of a usability test.
- Style guide: A document that outlines the visual elements of a design.
- Wireframe: A visual representation of pages and their elements.
- Technical document: A document that outlines the technical aspects of the project.