All organisations do not approach UX design in the same way, and the level of UX maturity can vary greatly from one organisation to another. I have broken down this topic into three parts, as there is so much to cover.
Let’s take a closer look at the UX design responsibilities that appear in firms based on their UX maturity levels.
Now, we will be classifying the organisations into three types
- Orgs with Low UX Maturity level
- Medium maturity level and
- High maturity level
Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of an organisation having low UX maturity.
Let’s start with the Cons first.
In these organisations, a clear focus on design will not be present. There will be no process followed for any projects or problem statements. Most of the time, senior management will make design decisions without considering the real user into account. This means that crucial steps, such as conducting user research and understanding user needs, might be overlooked. This can lead to a disconnect between the product or service and the people it’s intended for. User feedback and insights may not be adequately incorporated into the decision-making process.
Designers in Low UX Maturity Organisations may have limited involvement in the design process. Their responsibilities might be confined to creating visual designs directly from the given problem statement, without much consideration for user needs and preferences. This can result in a lack of user-centred design and a missed opportunity to create truly impactful experiences.
Low maturity organisations may be more focused on meeting deadlines than on creating a good user experience. This can lead to rushed designs and products that are not user-friendly. There will also be times when a designer has to design stuff as instructed by non-designers or people up the hierarchy. The presence of politics may make it difficult to achieve successful results. In these orgs, UX design will be considered as a method to make things look good.
However,
This doesn’t mean that there aren’t opportunities for UX designers in such organisations. In fact, being a UX designer in a low maturity organisation presents unique possibilities. As a UX designer, you can play a pivotal role in advocating for the importance of user-centered design and driving positive change within the organisation. Let’s discuss a powerful strategy that will empower you to overcome obstacles and make a lasting impact.
- Become a trusted advisor. The first step is to become a trusted advisor to your team and your stakeholders. This means building relationships, demonstrating your expertise, and showing that you’re committed to improving the user experience.
- Start small. Start by making small, incremental improvements. This will help you build momentum and demonstrate the value of UX. You can start by educating and raising awareness about the value of UX design.
- Use data. Data is a powerful tool that can help you make the case for UX. Collect data on user behaviour and use it to show how UX improvements can lead to better business outcomes, customer satisfaction, and overall success. This can be done through compelling presentations, case studies, and data-driven insights.
Additionally, you can work towards establishing design processes and frameworks within the organisation. Introduce user research methodologies, usability testing, and iterative design practices to demonstrate the benefits of involving users throughout the design process. Collaborate closely with stakeholders, developers, and other teams to create a culture that values and embraces user-centered design principles.
- Be persistent. It takes time to change an organisation’s culture. Patience is a key thing here. Keep working to improve the user experience. Be creative in advocating for UX. Stay upbeat even when things are tough. Remember that you are making a difference.
There are immense opportunities for an individual to learn, grow and flourish as a UX designer in such orgs.
Don’t you see the opportunities?