Digital products, which include websites, applications, and virtual reality and augmented reality experiences, are channels through which information is delivered. Goals for digital products can range from increasing awareness and knowledge to changing attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. Driven by the goals defined for a specific digital product, possibilities range from static to highly interactive interfaces and from widely applicable to individually tailored or customizable content, such as interactive infographics and data dashboards.
Our approach to developing digital products leverages the RTI Digital Product Development Lifecycle, a time-tested, evidence-based framework that prioritizes the user throughout every stage of product development. Taking a user-centered approach to development has benefits beyond increased ease of use, satisfaction, and trust in the product—it also results in fewer user errors and eliminates expensive rework. We created the framework to be flexible and iterative so it is useful for guiding the development of digital products regardless of their type or complexity.