Where Should You Start?

Don't start by focusing on architecture, code or technical platforms when you start sketching your next application, instead try to start by looking at it from the user perspective. Begin by making rough sketches on a whiteboard or paper and try to identify the different views in that application and how the user will move between them. In this phase it's always good to have someone to brainstorm with, so make sure you get a co-worker to join in.

It's important that you do this before you start to design the technical aspects of the application, it will save you an enormous amount of time by ensuring that you don't put time into developing functions that won't be used or design it in a way that contradicts the natural flow of the application. Go back to these sketches during the implementation and if anything changes adjust them, ask for feedback on a regular basis and make sure you listen to input.

Here are some simple tips and suggestions on good tools and resources for designing without being an actual designer.