Hi all.
Sometimes, it can feel like we are doing our job with one hand tied behind our backs. We learn all about best practices online, at conferences, and in books, but it feels like we never get to do half of it.
There is always a pressing deadline, an unconvinced boss, or some other constraints that force us into cutting corners. We don’t get to do the user research we so desperately want to do, and our designs are never as well-tested as they should be.
Understandably, you probably end up frustrated, but sometimes that can be at least partially of our own making.
Avoid Being Overly Ambitious
That is because we can be overly ambitious. The best practice we read about online is, by definition, the best-case scenario. It’s the kind of practice you get in an organization that already values user experience design and a user-centric approach. But most of us don’t work in that kind of organization. Unsurprisingly, we get refused when we ask to implement it at our companies. We are asking for too much, too quickly.
Take Smaller Steps
Instead, we need to learn to take things in smaller steps. We have a lot more chance to get approval for some unfacilitated remote testing where we get results in a few hours for minimum effort, than a day of in-person facilitated testing.
By starting small, you demonstrate the benefits of user research and testing, and you will find it begins to gain traction.
Make Sure You Are Showing Your Results
Of course, that is only true if you effectively communicate the benefits to stakeholders. Take the time to create video summaries of usability testing, share survey results, and, if possible, get stakeholders actively involved.
Think Better, Not Best
Instead of focusing on “best practice,” we should think in terms of “better.” What could we do better than what we are doing now? What is the next step on the road to becoming more user-centric?
If you currently don’t research, start with a quick survey. If you don’t do testing, start testing with friends and family. Equally, if you already do surveying, start doing user interviews. If you do usability testing, start adding AB testing into the mix. Always keep moving forward.
It is a Marathon, Not a Sprint
Don’t despise those small initial steps. As I say in my book User Experience Revolution, encouraging an organization to become more user-centric is a marathon, not a sprint. It takes time and is not for everyone.
If you are finding it too frustrating, look for another job elsewhere. However, there is a satisfaction to be found in seeing stakeholders begin to get it and slowly influencing your organization’s culture. And if you need help in the process… well, you know where to find me.
