A practical comparison of four UX frameworks and when product teams should use each one.
UX frameworks are useful when they help a team make better decisions. The point is not to follow a method perfectly. The point is to choose the right structure for the product risk in front of you.
For a broader explanation of framework types and when to use them, start with these design framework examples.
| Framework | Use it when |
|---|---|
| Double Diamond | The team needs to separate problem discovery from solution development |
| Design thinking | The team needs research, ideation, prototyping, and testing around an unclear problem |
| Jobs to be done | The team needs to understand user progress and motivation |
| HEART metrics | The team needs to measure UX quality through happiness, engagement, adoption, retention, and task success |
Choose by risk. If the problem is unclear, use discovery. If motivation is unclear, use jobs to be done. If the product is already live, use measurement and journey review.
Using a full framework for a tiny decision.
Treating framework artifacts as the goal.
Choosing a framework because it is familiar, not because it fits the risk.
For the parent article, read what UX frameworks are. For building one, see how to design a UX framework.
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