During the 1990s, when Don Norman became the first person to hold the title of "User Experience Architect" at Apple, the value of UX was not yet fully understood. Fast forward to 2023, and companies across all industries have recognized the benefits of user experience. However, stakeholders still often remain disconnected throughout the product building process.
3 Proven ways to connect with stakeholders
- Summarize the research journey succinctly
- Align development timelines
- Deploy and test rapid prototypes
Articulating the Research process
The first step in the UX process is to align the product team and stakeholders with a clear and concise version of the research plan. I s ensure the viability of this deliverable by condensing our research into a one-pager. If stakeholders do not understand the one-pager, they are less likely to engage in the journey.
Aligning Timelines
In the past, product developers often ignored the timing of the UX team’s process. I work closely with our product PMs, designers and developers to stay aligned. These co-working sessions help build trust and credibility with key stakeholders.
Deploying Rapid Prototypes
Building and testing new ideas is an exciting part of our role. I work closely within our agile teams to build prototypes that help us validate our assumptions.
It’s all about communication
Communication is the most integral element in connecting clients with users. In addition to defining their own goals, stakeholders must be actively involved in research regarding their target audience and user needs. Alignment is crucial to a successful product development process.