The Double Diamond Approach And Why It Sets Us Apart
At Four UX Studio, we design digital products with a clear purpose and a human-first mindset. One of the core frameworks that guides everything we do is the Double Diamond approach - a structured, proven model for creative problem-solving and innovation.
But what exactly is the Double Diamond? And why do we use it?
Let’s break it down and explain how this approach makes us different from other UX/UI studios and agencies.
What Is the Double Diamond?
Originally developed by the UK Design Council, the Double Diamond is a visual framework for the design process. It consists of four key phases, split into two main "diamonds":
Discover – Explore the problem
Define – Narrow down and clarify the challenge
Develop – Explore solutions
Deliver – Refine and launch the final product
Each diamond represents a process of divergent thinking (exploring widely) followed by convergent thinking (focusing in).
Why We Use the Double Diamond at Four UX Studio:
1. It Puts People First
Designing for users starts with understanding them. The Discover phase is all about deep research, user interviews, competitor audits, usability data, and behavioural insights. This ensures we're solving real problems, not just surface-level ones.
We don't jump to solutions, we start with people.
2. It Reduces Risk
Many digital products fail because they were built on assumptions. Our approach helps clients avoid wasted budget and time by validating ideas early, aligning teams, and focusing on what truly matters to users.
By the time we get to the Develop and Deliver stages, we’ve already done the heavy lifting to know what will work.
3. It Encourages Creativity + Clarity
The first diamond opens space for creativity, exploring ideas, possibilities, and new directions. The second diamond sharpens that focus, turning bold ideas into polished, practical solutions.
It’s the perfect balance of freedom and focus.
4. It’s Adaptable to Any Project
Whether we're designing a brand-new app, auditing an underperforming website, or refining an existing feature, the Double Diamond gives us a flexible but reliable structure. It scales with the size and complexity of the project.
5. It Sets Us Apart from Quick-Fix Agencies
Many studios and agencies skip the discovery phase and jump straight into design. Not us. We take the time to understand before we create because thoughtful design is what leads to exceptional results.
This thoroughness is what makes our UX/UI work truly bespoke and high-performance.
Our Double Diamond Process at a Glance:
Discover
Stakeholder interviews
UX audits
User research & surveys
Competitor benchmarking
Analytics & data review
Define
Problem statements
User personas
Journey mapping
Clear UX objectives
Prioritisation of needs
Develop
UX concepts & user flows
Wireframes & prototypes
Iterative design
Collaborative testing
Deliver
Final UI design
Handoff to developers
Design Quality Assurance
Ongoing testing & iteration
Why Clients Choose Four UX Studio
We’re not just designing screens, we’re solving business problems through strategic design. The Double Diamond approach ensures every pixel has purpose, and every interaction is crafted with intent.
When you work with Four UX, you get:
✔ Research-led thinking
✔ A structured, repeatable process
✔ Real empathy for your users
✔ Design rooted in outcomes, not trends
If you're looking for a UX/UI partner who takes the time to understand your users, challenges assumptions, and delivers beautifully effective solutions—we’d love to talk.
Get in touch with Four UX Studio and let's take your idea through the Double Diamond.
