Here's how I design for my clients:
1. Strategy calls with clients:
First, I need to understand their business goals, target audience and the project's goals
2. Research:
I dive deep into research on their user persona to find their biggest pain points, motivations, behaviours, etc.
Then I move into competitor analysis to see what's working and what's not
3. Create user flows:
Before I start design, I lock in the user journey. If I see any friction points, it's easier to fix them now.
4. Visual design
High fidelity designs, design system, asset creation, etc
5. QA and usability
Lastly, I validate that designs work across devices, load quickly and that users can do what they came there to do.
In every step, I keep the stakeholders involved.
Their feedback is invaluable to progress fast and is aligned with their vision. 
