Test & Modify

This element is somewhat different than the others. It represents improving your solution step-by-step through testing and modifying. It’s a process on its own, as the arrow might suggest. You use this element when you plan to be testing and modifying, without having to know how many times (in design terms: with how many iterations). Often this makes sense, because you simply cannot know how many iterations you will need to get the solution to work. In those case this element helps you out. You – for example – simply plan two weeks of testing and improving.

What if I don’t test & modify?
It is difficult to get a solution right the first time, therefore often you test and find out there are some modifications needed. If you don’t do testing and modifying you might release a solution that has many flaws.

Where in the design flow?
Usually you at least know what you are designing (broad description is known) and for whom.
Sometimes, like with open source software, or with new versions of a website, testing & modifying is done with the solution already ‘out there’.

Which method to use?
The method to be placed here is the test method. It should clarify how you will be testing. Consider available resources (knowledge, time, budget) and practicalities