Aligning UX & Dev in Discovery

Stop handoff friction. Build a shared system model before wireframing or coding begins.

Stage Activity Outcome
0. DiscoveryJTBD InterviewsA validated "Job Statement"
1. MiningNoun ForagingCandidate Object list
2. LogicRelationship MappingTechnical System Architecture
3. ActionCTA MatrixSystem capability map
4. SpecsAttribute Force RankingThe Data Contract (API Spec)
The Handshake Rule

Do not open Figma until the Object Glossary is signed off. UX designs for the data that exists; Devs build for the user that struggles.

Workshop Series

Run these four collaborative sessions to bridge the alignment gap.

Session 1

The Struggle & Nouns

Identify why the user is "hiring" the product and extract every noun to find objects.

Session 2

Object Modeling

Draw lines between objects. Devs define if relationships are 1:1 or 1:Many.

Session 3

Verbs & Capabilities

Define what actions (CTAs) can be performed on each object and who has permission.

Session 4

The Data Contract

List and rank attributes. Finalize exactly what data fields the API needs to return.

ORCA Framework

Object, Relationship, Call-to-Action, Attribute.

Why OOUX?

Traditional UX often focuses on "task flows"—how a user moves from A to B. But complex systems fail when the "things" (Objects) at those steps aren't well defined. ORCA ensures the system skeleton is solid first.

Jobs to be Done

Upgrade the user, not the product.

Hire vs. Fire

Users don't buy products; they hire them to make progress. To get someone to use your new system, they have to "fire" their old habit. Understanding the "Push" of the current struggle is essential for the Roadmap.