Design by Committee

Presenters: Pradeep Nayar and Kevin Leebroderick
UX work in an Agile (or almost Agile) environment can sometimes feel like 'Design by Committee'. The Tribune UX team would like to share some tips, thoughts and strategies we use internally, to maintain the sanctity of a participatory design environment. We will stay as practical as possible, using recent projects to walk through what we do. The goal is to leave you with some key takeaways to try in your workplace.

Transcript

1. Kevin Leebroderick UX Architect Tribune Company July IXDA 2012 @ Tribune Company DESIGN BY COMMITTEE Maintaining Sanity in an Agile Environment Pradeep Nayar UX Principal Tribune Company
2. We are a MEDIA COMPANY 23 TV STATIONS 8 NEWSPAPERS 50+ WEBSITES
3. 160 years old
6. 5 PRIOR UX WORK
7. L.A. TIMES IPAD APP
8. L.A. TIMES WINDOWS PHONE 7 APP
9. CRIME L.A. ANDROID APP
10. CHICAGO TRIBUNE WINDOWS 8 APP
11. Mobile Social Tablet TV Web Strategy CONCEPTS 10
12. PRIOR UX WORK 11 CHICAGO TRIBUNE RESPONSIVE SITE
13. “DESIGN BY COMMITTEE” OUR GOAL 12
14. “DESIGN BY COMMITTEE” PARTICIPATORY DESIGN OUR GOAL 12
15. Redesigning the Stop sign http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwqPYeTSYng
16. 14 WE’RE AGILE! ...almost
17. AGILE = COLLABORATION 15
19. LET’S BRAINSTORM
20. Brainstorm meetings 18 Lack focus Progress too quickly to a solution without exploring options Most powerful, loud and/or obnoxious person wins! People get excited about an existing solution rather than solving the problem Some solutions are not cohesive with the overall experience CHALLENGE
21. “Brainstorm” in isolation 19 SOLUTION Have a designated facilitator Embrace divergent thinking; conduct individual exploration Conduct a design studio, not a BRAINSTORM MEETING!!!
22. THE CREW STAKEHOLDERS DEVELOPERS PRODUCT MANAGER PROJECT MANAGER QUALITY ASSURANCE TEAM UX
23. SPHERES OF INFLUENCE STAKEHOLDERS DEVELOPERS PRODUCT MANAGER PROJECT MANAGER QUALITY ASSURANCE TEAM UX
24. TEAM UX
25. You are a design facilitator 25 SPOILER ALERT In an agile environment...
26. Not enough time 26 CHALLENGE
27. 27 SOLUTION START SKETCHING!!!
28. NO EXCUSES!
29. SOLUTION PRESENT internally CRITIQUE not gut reaction PROTOTYPE Test it! many ideas SKETCH rinse & repeat
30. Believe in your solution 30 You can’t sell it if you don’t believe it.
31. Never go alone Always tag team. 31 SPOILER ALERT VISUAL DESIGNER UX ARCHITECT +
32. PRODUCT MANAGER
33. They are your closest ally but... 33 There is a grey area - work it out!
34. Let’s do what the N.Y. Times does... 34 CHALLENGE “Follow the leader” approach.
35. Explain why it may not work Time to show your expertise on interface design. 35 SOLUTION Look at other examples to force a conversation. Focus on the problem you are trying to solve and question the solution.
36. They might try to design the interface 36 CHALLENGE Let them sketch ideas.
37. Be open to various forms of communication 37 SOLUTION Remind them that your job is to make them look good.
38. They help push hard features forward 38 It’s important to maintain daily communication with them.
39. PROJECT MANAGER
40. They are usually the scrum master 40 A good project manager can make or break a project.
41. Over promises on deliverables 41 CHALLENGE Trying to please an impatient stakeholder.
42. Be upfront and realistic about estimates 42 SOLUTION Build on existing trust and confidence. There is no such thing as over-communication.
43. DEVELOPERS
44. 44 Best friend or worst enemy They make your ideas come to life.
45. Like reuse of code & efficiency 45 CHALLENGE Solutions oriented around technology rather than the needs of users.
46. 46 Reality of agile development Stuff always changes.
47. It’s all about building a better product 47 SOLUTION Walk-through the interface using specific scenarios. Take the time to explain the thought behind your design. Thank them for a job well done! Try to include them early in a solution.
48. QUALITY ASSURANCE
49. If UX is the quarterback... 49 QA is the receiver.
50. QA only tests functionality 50 CHALLENGE
51. Set expectations & keep in touch 51 SOLUTION Need to emphasis how important they are to the project. The success of the project depends on them. Talk about a holistic testing approach. Conduct occasional walk-throughs with them.
52. STAKEHOLDERS
53. 53 Talk to them in a language they understand Talk about customers, not users.
54. UX also needs to think about the business 54 SPOILER ALERT User needs + business needs = $$$ for everyone.
55. 55 CHALLENGE Dealing with an alpha personality
56. 56 Let’s face it. You’re not going to win, but... SOLUTION Figure out what makes them tick. Find an influencer and become their buddy. Don’t be scared - they’re not going to bite.
57. 57 Always present your work Never email a deliverable and assume they understand your lengthy email. SPOILER ALERT
58. 57 Always present your work Never email a deliverable and assume they understand your lengthy email. SPOILER ALERT SELL
59. 58 Selling the idea Consider making it a experience. Presentation Experience
61. Give them options, but lead them to your choice Always tell a story. Solution A Normal Solution B Better Solution C What they should want
62. 61 What are you selling? TRUST & CONFIDENCE
63. It’s not a war 62 FINALLY! We’re all in this together.
64. Thanks! 63 Get in touch with questions, comments or other feedback Pradeep Nayar prad.nayar@gmail.com designonmymind Kevin Leebroderick kleebroderick@tribune.com
65. Special thanks to 64 Kim Ruelo Adam Jankowski Kate Rosendale Andre Alforque Trent Sherrell