The User-Centered Design (UCD) process outlines the phases throughout a design and development life-cycle all while focusing on gaining a deep understanding of who will be using the product.  (As a user of the diagram below, its spelling of “centrered” [sic] makes me feel uneasy).

I have created my own version, of which there are many, of this diagram as the title image for this article.

In any product or service design process, it is a good idea to take a step back from time to time to candidly assure the team that you are on the right track.  Here are a few UX process and planning diagrams from UX professionals in the field to provide food for thought.

 

UX Design Cycle

The above diagram simply outlines the multidisciplinary product team sharing ownership of UX.  The equally sized disks implies the desired balance of influence by each team.

 

User Experience Sundial

UX designers may be expected to provide a variety of skills, all contributing to successful design.   You can even evaluate your own strengths in this interactive UX Self-Assessment Sundial.

 

User Experience Honeycomb

The above illustration is from an excellent article by Peter Morville at Semantic Studios.  He explains that this diagram helps designers to prioritize their target look and feel, depending on the project’s unique balance of context, content and users.  

 

The Spectrum of UX Design Skills

User Experience Design and Development is multi-disciplinary, and when affordable, may consist of a large team.  This table list of Project Team Roles and Responsibilities is a good reference.

Jesse Garrett’s “The Elements of User Experience Design” also breaks down the various skill sets that go into the development of user experience on the Web today.