Design-led development and traditional software engineering approaches are two different methodologies used in software development. Traditional software engineering follows a well-established methodology that is widely understood and documented. It relies on clear and detailed requirements, which helps to ensure that the final product meets the customer’s needs. It follows a structured approach, with clear phases and milestones, which helps to ensure that the project stays on track. Traditional software development can be a slow process, with lengthy planning and design phases. It consists of five phases: requirements analysis, design, implementation, coding and testing, and maintenance.

On the other hand, design-led development is a method of development that disregards the more traditional ways people have been tackling requirements. It is a human-centered approach to innovation that draws from the designer’s toolkit to integrate the needs of people, the possibilities of technology, and the requirements for business success. It puts user needs at the core of any product development. Design thinking approach allows software developers to see and clearly understand the end goals, problems, and have a detailed vision of the solution they want to create. Companies today are seeking to build strong relations with their customers and doing everything they can to receive ongoing feedback from them, while design thinking with its user-centered approach helps businesses to achieve their objectives.

In a nutshell, whilst Traditional software engineering is a well-established methodology that follows a structured approach, design-led development is a human-centered approach to innovation that puts user needs at the core of any product development. Both methodologies have their advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of which approach to use depends on the specific needs of the project.

Some key features of design-led development include:

It’s a user-centered approach: Design-led development puts the user at the center of the development process. It focuses on understanding the user’s needs, wants, and pain points to create a product that meets their requirements.

It is holistic and interdisciplinary: Design-led development is a holistic and interdisciplinary approach that unites designers and developers to ensure that each step in the development lifecycle of the product is aligned with the end-user’s requirements.

That includes proven design thinking methods: Design-led development takes advantage of proven design thinking methods to achieve an optimal user experience. The process spans the entire development lifecycle, from ideation to implementation.

Elevates the role of design: Design-led development elevates the role of design in the development process. It recognizes that design is not just about aesthetics but also about solving problems and meeting user needs.

And Improves collaboration: Design-led development improves collaboration between designers, developers, and other stakeholders. It encourages cross-functional teams to work together to create a product that meets the needs of the end-user.

Design-led development can improve collaboration between designers and developers in the following ways:

1. Cross-functional teams: Design-led development encourages cross-functional teams that include designers, developers, and other stakeholders. This approach ensures that everyone is working towards the same goal and that the product meets the needs of the end-user
2. User-centered approach: Design-led development puts the user at the center of the development process. This approach encourages designers and developers to work together to create a product that meets the user’s needs. By focusing on the user, designers and developers can collaborate more effectively and create a product that is more likely to be successful
3. Agile methodologies: Agile methodologies, such as Scrum, encourage collaboration between designers and developers. In Scrum, designers and developers work together in sprints to create a product that meets the user’s needs. This approach ensures that everyone is working towards the same goal and that the product meets the needs of the end-user
4. Design thinking: Design thinking is a methodology that encourages collaboration between designers and developers. This approach involves a human-centered approach to problem-solving that leverages proven design thinking methods to meet the needs of the end-user. By working together, designers and developers can create a product that meets the user’s needs

Integrating designers and developers in the design-led development can be challenging, but there are some best practices that can help to improve collaboration.

1. Start with design conversations: Encourage designers and developers to have regular conversations about the project. This can help to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that the project is moving in the right direction
2. Embrace internal design reviews: Internal design reviews can help to ensure that the design is meeting the needs of the end-user. Encourage designers and developers to review each other’s work and provide feedback
3. Open communication: Encourage open communication between designers and developers. This can help to ensure that everyone is aware of what is happening on the project and can help to avoid misunderstandings
4. Create a design system: Creating a design system that uses the same components for designers and developers can help to bridge the gap between teams. This can help to ensure that everyone is working towards the same goal and that the product meets the needs of the end-user
5. Participatory design: Encouraging collaboration between designers, researchers, stakeholders, and end-users can help to develop solutions that meet the needs of the end-user. This approach can help to ensure that the product is user-centered and meets the needs of the end-user

If you’d like to find out more about how design-led development can add value to your project, book a call with me.