Define The System - Checklist 2 of 7

FUN START — I started working as an intern for a startup, so excited! I’ve moved abroad and landed a gig at a startup. Sure, it’s unpaid, but who cares? I’m hyped, this is awesome!

First stand-up meeting with the CEO and the team: we need to redesign the app. We’ve got a few thousand active users, but the app was built by developers, not designers. No offense to developers — they’re brilliant engineers — but this is a designer’s job, and guess what? That’s me now!

Like a roller coaster speeding downhill, I dive straight in. I whip up wireframes, sketch out ideas, and design everything as a web app. Nothing else even crosses my mind.

A week of intense work later, my colleague hits me up on Teams: “Hey, we also need mobile prototypes. Our users are on their phones too, you know?” Wait, what? People actually use this thing on their phones too?!

THE ASSETS — When diving into a design project, it’s like preparing for an adventure — you’ve got to know the terrain. Here’s how to gear up:

1 Figure out what kind of system you’re designing for

• Is it a web app (think online stores), a mobile app (like a fitness tracker), desktop software (hello, photo editors), or maybe even an embedded system (like your smart fridge’s touch interface)?
• What’s the tech situation? A web app might need to play nice with multiple browsers, while an embedded system could be dealing with limited horsepower. Know your limits!

2 Decide how users will input data

• Are users typing stuff into forms, using voice commands, waving gestures, scanning barcodes, or something else entirely? (Fun fact: some banking apps let you deposit checks just by snapping a pic!)
• What about security? Password rules, credit card validation, and sanitizing those wild free-text entries all matter. Keep it safe, keep it clean.

3 Plan how the system spits out info

• How are users going to see the data? Will you use tables, charts, maps, notifications, images, or even audio? (Think of a fitness app showing workout progress with charts and calling out reps during a workout — multitasking goals!)
• Can the system handle the pressure? A stock trading app needs real-time updates — no lagging allowed.

4 Choose how users will interact with the system

• Are they logging in through a web browser, tapping away on a mobile app, glancing at a smartwatch, or talking to a voice assistant? Each has its quirks, so design smart.
• What about the devices? A smartwatch, for example, comes with a teeny-tiny screen. You’ve got to make every pixel count.

Types of Systems

As tech keeps evolving, we’re seeing new frontiers, like spatial computing systems, that deserve their own spotlight. (Curious? Check out Apple’s VisionOS guidelines for the scoop.) But let’s break down the main types of systems and what makes each one tick:

Web Applications

• What they do: These are accessible from any internet-connected device with a browser. Easy peasy!
• Strengths: They’re cross-platform champs and can be updated instantly — no downloads required.
• Weaknesses: Limited access to device hardware and often slower than native apps.
• Example: Google Docs, because teamwork makes the dream work (in real-time).

Mobile Apps

• What they do: These run natively on smartphones and tablets, offering fast performance and offline magic.
• Strengths: Deep integration with device features like cameras, GPS, and push notifications.
• Weaknesses: Developers need to create separate versions for iOS and Android.
• Example: Instagram — scroll, like, repeat.

Desktop Software

• What they do: These run natively on laptops and desktops, harnessing all that sweet processing power.
• Strengths: Deep system access and the ability to handle heavy-duty tasks.
• Weaknesses: Users need to download and install updates (ugh, maintenance).
• Example: Adobe Photoshop — because creative magic needs horsepower.

Embedded Systems

• What they do: These are built right into physical devices to handle specific tasks.
• Strengths: Simple, task-specific functions designed for purpose-built devices.
• Weaknesses: Limited by fixed hardware constraints.
• Example: Smart thermostat interfaces — because comfort is a button press away.

Each system has its own vibe and set of superpowers, so pick the one that fits your goals and get designing!

THE END — Wrapping It Up, No matter what type of system you’re designing for, the key is understanding its strengths, limitations, and how it fits into your users’ lives.

Whether it’s a web app, mobile app, desktop software, or embedded system (or even venturing into spatial computing), the basics of good design still apply: know your audience, respect the platform, and make it easy to use.

Here are the key takeaways:

1. Match the system to the need: Choose the platform that aligns with your users’ goals and technical requirements.
2. Play to the platform’s strengths: Each system has unique capabilities — leverage them to enhance the user experience.
3. Watch out for constraints: Be mindful of hardware, performance, and accessibility limitations.
4. Stay user-focused: Whether on a smartwatch, desktop, or smart fridge, make sure your design adds value and feels intuitive.

And remember, great design isn’t just about looking good — it’s about solving problems and making users’ lives better. So get out there and design something awesome!

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