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Start for freeUnderstanding the Real Constraints in UX Design for Contractors
In the field of UX design, contractors often face unique challenges, especially when it comes to working with stakeholders and navigating business constraints. If you're a UX contractor, knowing how to work within the limitations set by stakeholders is crucial. Stakeholders can be difficult to convince to see things from a UX perspective, and often, it's not about convincing them to play your game but rather understanding theirs.
Focus on What Stakeholders Can Control
When working with stakeholders, it's important to concentrate on elements that fall within their scope of control. Spending time on aspects outside their sphere of influence is unproductive. As a UX professional, you should aim to reduce the risks of business operations within the confines of what stakeholders can manage.
Real User Feedback and the Contractor's Dilemma
Real user feedback is vital for UX design. However, contractors often find themselves in situations where accessing this feedback is not feasible due to cost or logistical issues from the stakeholder's perspective. In such cases, it's crucial to find alternative avenues to evaluate your designs and understand user satisfaction.
Sharing Designs and Facing Ghosting
A common issue for UX contractors is the 'ghosting' phenomenon, where after sharing designs with stakeholders, they receive no feedback. This lack of communication can make it difficult to assess whether the designs are effective or if users are happy with them.
Strategies for Contractors to Navigate Feedback Challenges
As a contractor, you may need to find creative ways to gather feedback without direct user research. This could mean using simulators or training environments to understand the user experience and make informed design decisions.
Playing the Game vs. Traditional UX
Sometimes, playing the game is more important than doing UX in the way you believe it should be done. Understanding the business dynamics and adapting to them can be more valuable than trying to change stakeholder minds. It's about finding a balance between UX principles and business realities.
Making a Case for UX Research
It's essential to present stakeholders with strategies that demonstrate how UX research and insights can lead to better outcomes without increasing business risk. Showing the value of UX in a language that stakeholders understand can open doors to more user-centered practices.
Building Trust as a Contractor
Building trust is key, especially for contractors who are often seen as outsiders brought in to execute rather than shape the vision. Establishing trust with your direct stakeholders can lead to more opportunities and a better understanding of the user experience.
When to Consider a Job Change
If you find yourself unable to influence UX decisions meaningfully or practice UX the way you want to, it might be time to consider changing jobs. A new environment might offer more alignment with your UX philosophy and allow you to work with real data and conduct usability testing.
Portfolio Challenges and NDA Constraints
Contractors often face difficulties showcasing their work due to non-disclosure agreements (NDAs). It's important to creatively demonstrate your design abilities by recreating screens or presenting anonymized versions of your work.
The Bottom Line
UX contractors must navigate a complex web of stakeholder relationships and constraints. Success in this role requires adaptability, creativity, and a willingness to play the game as it is, rather than trying to change the rules. By focusing on what you can control and building trust, you can make a positive impact on the business and your career in UX design.
For a deeper dive into navigating stakeholder constraints and enhancing your UX design approach as a contractor, check out the full discussion in the original video.
