How can you track design changes with UX collaboration tools?

Absolutely, tracking design changes can be pivotal. For instance, imagine a UX team working on the homepage of an e-commerce app. Initially, the team decides on a user-friendly, minimalist design. However, over time, different designers make changes independently; one adds more product images for visual appeal, another integrates advanced search filters, believing it enhances user experience. Without a proper tracking system, these changes may lead to a cluttered layout, departing from the original user-friendly goal. However, if all changes were logged, the team could trace back the rationale behind each decision which would allow for informed decisions and restoring the balance between aesthetic appeal and functionality.

- **Version Control:** - Utilize version control to track design iterations systematically. - **Real-Time Editing:** - Leverage real-time editing capabilities for synchronous collaboration and updates. - **Design History Logs:** - Access design history logs to review and understand previous changes. - **Status Updates:** - Regularly update the status of design changes to keep the team informed. - **Integration with Communication Tools:** - Integrate collaboration tools with communication platforms for seamless coordination. - **Collaborative Workspaces:** - Use collaborative workspaces to consolidate and track ongoing design modifications efficiently.

For example, consider a tool like Figma, widely used in the industry. A UX team working on a new feature for a mobile application would use Figma to create and store initial design layouts in the cloud, ensuring global access for the team regardless of location. As the design evolves, each change is automatically saved, creating a version history that can be reviewed and rolled back if necessary. Team members can leave comments directly on the design elements, which is crucial for synchronous and asynchronous collaboration. Moreover, Figma allows integration with other tools, meaning project timelines from a project management tool, or bug reports from a development platform, can be associated directly with the designs.

Try not to overcomplicate things. The current industry standard tool is Figma. If that's the environment where your design team creates wireframes, hi-fi, and design systems, engineers come to pick it up, and POs or BAs check in when working on the user stories, do your collabs there. My colleague and I frequently do jams in Figma, and usually, that's the time we enjoy. There might be multiple options around, and tech might knock on the door with their platform ideas, but make sure you've got the basics covered first. Great UX starts with pen and paper.

Let's consider using Figma in a music app redesign project 1. Sets Up: Initiates a "Music App Redesign" project, invites participants, assigns roles, and sets objectives and deadlines. 2. Organizes: Uploads wireframes into a clearly labeled folder, utilizing version history for tracking. 3. Collaborates: Uses comments for real-time feedback and adjustments. 4. Shares: Presents an interactive prototype to stakeholders for direct feedback, such as adding a "dark mode." 5. Integrates and Reviews: Applies feedback, marks changes as "resolved," and links designs to development tasks in Jira. 6. Evaluates: Compares old and new designs using version history, confirming improvements and alignment with project goals.