UI, UX and service design

Development is more than code and functionality

Software development is about more than code and functionality. How people actually work in the system matters just as much: the flow, the sequence, the overview and how easy it is to find information. For digital work tools and line-of-business systems, the main goal is a system that is logical, clear and efficient to use. 

User experience (UX) therefore plays an important role. A well-considered interface helps people complete tasks faster, reduces the risk of errors and makes the system easier to adopt.

How do we work with design?

From idea to prototype – fast and tangible

In most projects we work closely with the customer. The design takes shape through dialogue, and the customer gets to see and test prototypes early. That lets us adjust as we go and quickly validate ideas against the real work processes. We always take account of the internal and statutory requirements that govern how a process must be carried out. At the same time we keep the design work concrete and efficient: instead of lengthy analysis we get straight to the point, sketch out the workflows and refine them together with the users.

Deeper insight when the project calls for it

When a project requires it, we can add more extensive research such as interviews, observation, workshops or user testing. This is particularly relevant for software with several different user groups, or where the system supports collaboration between multiple parties, such as customers and suppliers.

Service design – the whole picture across user groups

In some projects we lift our gaze further and look at the entire service in a broader perspective. Service design is about understanding how a solution is experienced across different touchpoints, both digital and physical, and how the interplay between internal and external parties can work as well as possible. Here we work on the whole: how processes, systems and user groups fit together in one coherent service journey.

In projects like these we carry out a larger mapping exercise, often with interviews, site visits, observation and workshops. We look at how the different user groups work today, what challenges they meet, and how the system can simplify and streamline work processes across the organisation. The result is usually user journeys, process maps and prototypes that give a clear overview and make it easier to identify bottlenecks and opportunities for improvement.

This approach can be especially valuable for software developed for an entire sector or industry, where many organisations and user groups are to be brought together in one shared solution. Then it becomes essential to look at the whole picture and make sure the system works for every party throughout the service journey.

Designers and developers working together

With us, designers and developers are part of the same team and work side by side throughout the project. That means we do not just hand over static sketches – we follow the design all the way from prototype to finished solution.

The designer takes an active part in the development work, tests functionality against sketches and usage scenarios, and gives feedback continuously. This way of working makes sure solutions are actually built as planned, and that adjustments can be made quickly along the way.

For the customer this means a more efficient process and fewer misunderstandings. That close collaboration is one of our strengths, and an important reason why many choose us over two separate suppliers delivering design and development in isolation.

Key design principles

Our design work follows a set of basic principles and requirements. They make sure our solutions are of high quality, work well across devices and meet both user needs and current standards. 

Responsive design matched to real use

We always develop with different screen sizes in mind. At the same time we consider how the solution is actually used in practice. Many of our systems are used mainly on desktop computers, where complex processes need a larger working area. Others are used in the field or on mobile devices, and there we design interfaces and workflows that work just as well on tablet and mobile.

By analysing real use and matching responsive design to actual needs, we make sure the systems are both functional and easy to use – whatever the device.

Accessibility and WCAG

We put weight on universal design and follow the WCAG guidelines (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines). Even though many of the systems we build are internal and used by trained employees, accessibility still matters.

Good accessibility is not only about meeting legal requirements – it also makes systems more robust and easier for everyone to use. We prioritise principles such as clear contrast, logical navigation, standardised components and support for keyboard navigation.

Google Material Design

We base our UI design on Google Material Design (m3.material.io), which gives a modern, familiar and consistent interface. Using established guidelines and ready-made components lets us develop faster, maintain high quality and give users an experience that feels intuitive and recognisable across solutions.

Our development and software services:

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