From Good to Great: When to Push Back as a UX Designer
As a User Experience designer, you are responsible for creating digital products that are not only visually appealing but also functional, efficient, and user-friendly. Your main objective is to ensure that users can interact with a product in a way that meets their needs and expectations. However, there are times when you may need to push back on certain decisions or requests from the product team or leadership in order to achieve the best possible user experience, and sometimes it isn’t easy to know when those moments are. Throughout my career I’ve established some guidelines for when I feel it is appropriate to push back and advocate for user-centric design that I will share in this article.
1. When a design decision compromises usability
As a UX designer, your primary focus is obviously on usability. Therefore, if a design decision or request from a stakeholder compromises the usability of a product, it is crucial to push back. For example, if a stakeholder requests a design element that is aesthetically pleasing but hinders the functionality of the product or makes it difficult for users to complete their tasks, it is important to highlight the potential negative impact on the user experience and suggest alternative solutions that prioritize usability.
2. When the design deviates from user research findings
UX designers often conduct user research or work with a research team to gain insights into user needs, preferences, and behavior. When product decisions are made that deviate from the findings of user research, it is important to push back. User research provides valuable insights into how users interact with a product and what they expect from it. Ignoring or neglecting user research can result in a product that does not align with user needs, leading to a subpar user experience. As a UX designer, you should use the findings from user research to support your design decisions and advocate for user-centric design.
3. When accessibility is compromised
Accessibility is a critical aspect of UX design, as it ensures that digital products are usable by all users, including those with disabilities. If a design decision or request from a stakeholder compromises the accessibility of a product, it is imperative to push back. Accessibility guidelines and standards, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), provide clear guidelines on how to make digital products accessible. As a UX designer, you should be knowledgeable about accessibility principles and advocate for inclusive design that considers the needs of all users, including those with disabilities.
4. When the design does not align with the overall product vision
As a UX designer, you need to understand the overall product vision and ensure that your design decisions align with it. If a design decision or request from a stakeholder deviates from the overall product vision, it is important to push back. A consistent and cohesive user experience across different parts of a product is crucial for building a strong brand identity and establishing user trust. If a design decision jeopardizes the overall product vision, it is essential to communicate the potential impact on the user experience and suggest alternatives that align with the product vision.
5. When the design is not technically feasible
UX designers work closely with developers to ensure that their designs can be implemented effectively. If a design decision or request from a stakeholder is not technically feasible or poses challenges in terms of implementation, it is important to push back. Collaboration with developers is crucial in UX design, as they have the expertise to implement the design effectively. If a design decision is not feasible from a technical perspective, it may result in a compromised user experience. As a UX designer, it is important to work closely with developers, understand the technical limitations, and advocate for design decisions that are both user-friendly and technically feasible.
6. When the design violates ethical or legal considerations
UX designers have a responsibility to create products that are ethical and adhere to legal guidelines. If a design decision or request from a stakeholder violates ethical or legal considerations, it is essential to push back. For example, if a stakeholder requests the collection of user data without proper consent or proposes a design element that discriminates against certain user groups, it is the responsibility of the UX designer to speak up and advocate for ethical and legal design practices. Pushing back in such situations demonstrates a commitment to responsible and user-centric design practices, and ultimately contributes to creating digital products that are not only usable and accessible but also ethical and compliant.
Pushing back as a UX designer can sometimes be uncomfortable, and it’s not about being confrontational, but rather about being an advocate for the end users and using your expertise to create products that truly meet their needs and expectations. So, don’t be afraid to push back when necessary and champion the cause of user-centric design for a better overall user experience.
