What are the most effective ways to design products for a post-quarantine world?

1 Understand the new context

The first step is to understand the new context in which your products will be used. This means researching the problems, pain points, and preferences of your target users in the post-quarantine scenario. You can use methods such as surveys, interviews, observations, and personas to gather insights and empathize with your users. You should also consider the social, economic, environmental, and technological factors that affect your product domain and how they might evolve in the future.

2 Define the value proposition

The next step is to define the value proposition of your product. This is the statement that describes how your product solves a user problem, satisfies a user need, or delivers a user benefit. You should craft your value proposition based on your user research and your unique selling point. You should also test your value proposition with your users to validate its relevance and appeal. You can use tools such as the value proposition canvas or the lean canvas to help you articulate and refine your value proposition.

4 Align with ethical and sustainable principles

The fourth step is to align your product design with ethical and sustainable principles. This means considering the impact of your product on the society, the environment, and the users themselves. You should also respect the values, rights, and interests of your users and other stakeholders. You can use frameworks such as the ethical design manifesto, the circular design guide, or the sustainable development goals to guide you in making ethical and sustainable design decisions.

5 Communicate the value and vision

The fifth step is to communicate the value and vision of your product to your users and other audiences. This means telling a compelling story that showcases how your product can help your users achieve their goals, overcome their challenges, or enhance their experiences in the post-quarantine world. You should also convey the purpose, mission, and values behind your product and how they align with those of your users. You can use methods such as storytelling, branding, and marketing to craft and deliver your product message.

6 Learn and innovate continuously

The final step is to learn and innovate continuously. This means staying updated on the latest trends, developments, and opportunities in your product field and the post-quarantine world. You should also monitor and measure the performance, impact, and satisfaction of your product and your users. You should also seek and embrace new ideas, feedback, and collaborations that can help you improve your product and create more value for your users. You can use practices such as agile, lean, and design thinking to foster a culture of learning and innovation in your product design process.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?