C1-M1#4 — The Stages of Product Development and Lifecycle

Podcast Description: How Are Online Products Made? A Simple Guide for UX Design Beginners

Welcome to our podcast, where we break down how online products—like websites or apps—are created, launched, and improved. This episode is perfect for anyone new to UX design or curious about how teams turn ideas into the tools we use every day. We’ll walk you through the entire process, step by step, so you can see how products come to life and where UX designers fit in. No complicated terms—just clear explanations and helpful tips!

What Is the Product Development Cycle?

The product development cycle is a series of steps teams follow to create something new, release it, and make it better over time. Think of it as a loop: you don’t just go from start to finish once; you keep coming back to improve. For UX designers, understanding this process is key because you help make the product easy and enjoyable at every stage. Let’s explore how it works.

The Stages of the Cycle

1. Coming Up with an Idea

It starts with an idea—like an app to suggest movies fast. The team researches what users need and what’s already out there to see if it’s worth it.

2. Planning How to Make It

Next, they plan who will build it and how. UX designers start sketching how it’ll look and feel, like making a map for the team.

3. Building the Product

Developers code it, designers style it, and UX designers ensure it’s simple to use—like placing buttons where they make sense.

4. Checking If It Works

The team tests for mistakes and lets a few people try it. UX designers watch users to fix anything confusing.

5. Launching the Product

It’s time to share it! They might start small to get feedback, then go big when it’s ready.

6. Seeing How It’s Doing

After launch, they track what users like or struggle with. UX designers use this to spot ways to improve.

7. Making It Better

Using feedback, they update it—fixing issues or adding features. Then, the cycle repeats!

Why This Matters for UX Designers

This loop ensures products meet real needs. As a UX designer, you’re involved everywhere—researching, designing, testing, and improving. You make sure people love using it and keep coming back.