A deeper understanding and integration with system users' thoughts and emotional experiences are required for user-engaged development. User experience (UX) journey integrates user requirements and problem-solving approaches. The integration of data-driven techniques and user-centric approaches in software development is investigated in this study. It focuses on using the Markov chain model to predict developer productivity based on data gathered while creating personas across three projects. Organizations can gain valuable insights into user needs and requirements by conducting purposeful activities such as strength, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis, competitor analysis, hypothesis formulation, identification of behavioral variables, mapping interviews, and defining characteristics and objectives. The model has predictive capabilities that allow for more informed decision-making, more efficient resource allocation, and better project planning. The goal of the activity and the model ensure the development of software products that effectively meet the needs of users, resulting in a higher success rate for software development initiatives. This study emphasizes the importance of integrating quantitative and qualitative analysis to drive successful software development projects and increase productivity while meeting user needs. According to the findings of the research conducted from the three projects completed, the proposed methods have similarities, and predictions using the Markov chain can determine the success of novice developers.