Choose one need
State who arrives, in what situation and what they want to achieve. “A reading app” is broad. “Continue a book and keep my place” describes a testable journey.
Separate the main task from additions such as recommendations or achievements. First establish whether the central need is met.
Map the whole journey
Describe each step from entry to result. Include the user action, system response and likely failure. Consider empty states, lost connections and returning after a break.
This reveals hidden work such as saving progress and restoring state. A polished screen alone does not show these dependencies.
Test the prototype
Build a clickable version of the key journey. Ask someone to complete the task without naming buttons for them. Watch whether labels and steps match expectations.
Separate wording problems from structural problems and missing functionality. Some confusing steps need new text; others need a different flow.
Set launch boundaries
Document what is included, what waits and what counts as completing the main journey. Add relevant data, accessibility and device requirements.
After launch, collect feedback around specific actions. A new feature should make the task easier rather than merely expand the menu.