Exploring Feature vs. Time
For fast-paced projects, smart time management is a must—I didn't want to spend too much time on small features or rush the important ones. So, I created a decision matrix to stay on track. Instead of following the full design process for everything, I broke it down by features and chose the best approach for each feature.
Feature Decision Matrix
By mapping each feature based on clarity and complexity I was able to decide which features need more attention and which features can go into design immediately, and hand them over to the developers to be implemented.
For example:
The registration flow is simple and clear, so we can move straight to design (low complexity and high clarity).
On the other hand, the meal preparation flow is more complex and unclear due to many variables. Because of this, I started with research, then created wireframes and tested different variations before finalizing the design (high complexity and low clarity).
Feature Originality
With tight deadlines, I needed to balance originality and efficiency—avoiding full copies while not reinventing the wheel. By considering each feature’s importance and how well-established it was, I chose the best approach for each one.
I chose the best way forward by following a simple approach:
Direct copies → Using the same flow as existing applications.
Remixes → Mixing ideas from different sources to create a flow.
Indirect parallels → Borrowing ideas from other industries that solve similar problems.
Metaphors & analogies → Using real-world concepts to shape the design.
True innovation → Creating something completely new from scratch.
For example:
Uploading a recipe is a feature that is important and it's an established feature in many applications already (low importance and well-established).
On the other hand, reserving a seat with a home cook is a very important feature, and there are a number of applications that uses a similar flow, so we can borrow from them and remix it to match our needs (high importance and well-established).
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