With a Little Help from My Friends
For this month’s newsletter I wanted to discuss that much like soccer, football, and basketball, UX Design is ultimately a team sport. Obviously, none of us are asked to wear a jersey, or throw a ball, or shoot baskets, but we are asked to work as a team to find the best solution for our customers.
A team, regardless of the sport, is made up of a group of players, each with a specific role or skill. The more these players work together, listen to their coaches, focus on their goals, and work hard, the more likely they are to score a point, touchdown, or basket.
UX teams are no different. When a UX team works efficiently, collaboratively, and collectively, their chances of winning grow. In our instance, this is a winning user experience.
Putting together a winning, competitive, competent, and ultimately successful team starts with a solid foundation.
So, here are 3 things we can do to construct that winning team.
Communication - Good teams talk on and off the field, because when everyone is on the same page, everyone has a better shot of succeeding. We need to know who our team members are, and what their role on the team is. We need to keep these lines of communication open and make ourselves available for anyone and everyone who needs help. When a game or a project is on the line, we must know who we can ask for help or assistance from.
Adaptability - Every designer faces a unique set of challenges and must be prepared to adapt, change, and overcome them - just like football players and coaches must adjust to new opponents, players, injuries, and game plans every week.
Culture - Winning cultures take time and, in most cases, a lot of blood, sweat, and tears. As designers, our goal should be to please our clients and provide an unforgettable experience, and every member of our team should contribute to that.
The best teams strive for success by collaborating and supporting one another. We need to have the same mindset as a team - we can only reach our full potential by cooperating and working together.
JVD
The title of this song is named after The Beatles 1967 classic “With a Little Help from My Friends”, released on their Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album.