Don't Have Access to Users in UX? (How to Drive User Centred Design Org. Change)

The topic of going from little to no research to fully informed design work is the biggest problem that people keep requesting to be covered. Long in the making but it's here. in this video, I'll share my thoughts and mental frameworks to set yourself up for success considering long term UX strategy and more specific research and design tactics that you must employ immediately.
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[@viettuongpham7857]

When I was a student, we were required to research, analyze, and redesign an existing mobile application. In a short time frame, it was difficult to conduct actual user research and gain access to user data, so I looked at feedback on the AppStore. Their feedback is really valuable from the user's perspective, particularly for those who already use the app.

[@darilrahmatullah4161]

cool decision

[@niyiadeola8695]

As the sole designer at my company, I have had so much pushback trying to make a case for proper UX research. Its been four years now and I've had only minimal progress

[@debimishra7325]

People are ready to do 10 - 12 iterations but not user research, which can help to decrease the iterations drastically from 10-12 to 3-4.

[@darilrahmatullah4161]

agree! idk why they eager to do such painful and hard work yet there is a better and logic way

[@thinkingaloud7925]

SIlly but sad

[@DeepfriedBaby]

I think a way to communicate the importance to business folks is to put it in terms of mitigating risk, risk equals money lost or not gained. If you use design words, it'll be fall on deaf ears.

[@brojulian2377]

well said

[@JayPy06]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. That was one of my main mistakes in my second case study. I was so obsessed to do the right and restricted pathway (discovery, user research, ideation and deliverable) that I didn't realize that I was able to reach anyone in the internet, searching in niche forums like you said. At the end of the day, I've interviewed the wrong person and did the wrong questions.

[@AlexandreKrecke]

I've read your book "Get Into UX" and I'm excited to read the new one about convincing people and driving business strategy towards UX. Definitely one of the most challenging tasks for a designer and it seems that nobody is talking about it outside the management environment. Keep up the great work, Vy!

[@jeanwangg]

one challenge in a big company is features or new projects that is confidential and we don't want outsiders learning about it so it can only be tested internally. sometimes, even internally is tricky if it's highly secretive.

[@vaexperience]

Yes it can be harder or easier, that will inform how challenging it can be. Still necessary.

[@alhazkhan7345]

As a researcher, Bring the understanding of user and overall project scope to the table where business owners, stakeholders can see the value of research (ROI). It doesn't matter from where you bring, it should reflect value to the project. Awesome video.. Thanks for sharing..

[@mmmm300ML]

Yes, that book would be awesome !

[@alexandreroy2764]

Your approach is like taking a cold shower. It’s terrifying until you’ve experienced it and realized its benefits. Taking “no” like a no go is “perspicace”. Find what’s out there. Do your best with what you have in sight is a fine way of defining the target for what you’re looking for. None the less, it’s provable and defines value as it grows before your own bare eyes. Clever. Waiting on that book ;)

[@Tan-nv1zg]

This is so relatable to my current situation it’s scary… I had an interview today and asked the employer what type of user research they did and they answered they don’t do research because they felt the users were unreachable.

[@XDNemoXD]

I work at relativly small design agengy (about 10 People). We currently don't use any UX Design Proccess. We create create a conecept for a website, build a sitemap and then start designing right away. We don't do any user research, probably don't have the budget for that or the patience from the client. I've always been curious about UX Design and the whole proccess, but just started really learning about it recently. My problem now is, the more I learn, the more I think we should implement it in our workflow and I've been wrecking my brain how to do just that, even step by step. There is always this debate, that we don't do apps online websites so we don't need any of this or have the time or the budget.

[@cindyluvbug]

I feel like, especially with a startup-type environment, a designer doing research on their own time is our skin in the game. This might not be a popular view, but I wouldn't even know where to start without research. I'll do the UI on the clock and nerd-out on my own 🤓

[@maxwellberger1377]

Your the GOAT man. Giving your book a second read as well.

[@MrRyanIsle]

I'm in a tough situation. My user is an internal user with a really specific knowledge. A list of roughly 500-1000 employees BUT I have written orders not to engage with them by myself, only through their superiors while their superiors just want to make decisions and not allow for interviews, surveys and usability tests. I managed to at least become like a learner of that job. participated in schooling lessons for those emoloyees, accompanying them while working (officially without interviewing them) and doing usability tests with their superiors at least. Really challenging and super frustrating from time to time. Had me on edge already and sometimes I still am. Thanks for the video. It shows we are not alone with those challenges. And it's valuable content

[@TheHennes36]

A book about this topic would certainly be very interesting! Because it really is HARD - and at startups you always have to advocate in order to really be put in a position to do actual great work.

[@notjustelegant]

I'm on my way to my first assignment, I can't tell you how helpful this video has been. Thanks a ton! PS: As a digital marketer as well, I for sure think having a look at the social media handles of the business, and interacting with them can give you tremendous insights into what the brand audience is talking about and the issues they have with it.

[@natyb]

Your videos are golden! I am currently struggling where to find users and this gave me some great ideas 💡 Thank you so much! I cannot wait to read your next book!

[@cindyluvbug]

I am stepping into this exact situation rn lol. Thank goodness I have you and the squad in my corner when the inevitable battles begin. Not scared 🦁

[@HalloBettinaBremm]

A book would be very cool. And guessing by how my organisation works right now... It will still be relevant in a year or two from now.

[@klaudiak6615]

your channel is a blessing. thank you for making videos!

[@angel24lovej]

I literally just gift Amazon gift card for my usability test participants today lol I found my niche group on FB groups. No one would do it for free and seriously on the internet. It is not their project, it is yours!

[@ventsiboy]

A book for presenting design would be amazing!

[@nicholasgood470]

Amen bro - massively important - key thing is to make engaging research though - something sellable to stakeholders

[@davidbieschke9345]

Looking forward to this book!

[@mariyavesna2074]

love your videos! thank you for sharing your knowlege

[@martinabozhinovska53]

Can't wait for this one!

[@AhmetEfeoglu]

Amazing video! What I loved most was the part about the chicken and an egg problem where if you are in a company that doesn't value UX design, it will be hard to jump ship to another company who values it because they want to see you able to do the work. So it is a good idea to get this competence. My question is do you believe designers should do this by seeking contract work on the side or side projects or just staying at the company and taking that leadership role?

[@jordanr6757]

Hi, thanks for the content. Wanted to know, do you have a video on picking projects that actually solve a new problem? I am trying to bolster my portfolio with personal projects but I want them to be realistic and believable. I can easily create an app or web idea BUT I struggle with knowing if it's worth it to pursue, or am I overthinking it? For example, let's say a new delivery app that does something a little different from Uber Eats, my issue is what makes my idea worth pursuing if the user doesn't care what platform they use...

[@Classicsydzilla]

I need to know what to look for when it comes to writing up the ROI’s and financial benefits of UX

[@Classicsydzilla]

Pleeeaasssee write that book. I’m facing this battle right now 😭 I’m not sure if I’m capable of making this change myself but I want to.

[@ConstantinoCoChua]

In my company, the business team does the research on business and users then they make assumptions on the product we are building and pass those insights to the design team. The risk and assumptions could be narrowed down if we have access to the users.

[@luciefarar1807]

Hi, I am having hard time explaining to a charity organisation why it is important to centre everything that they offer on their website around easy to navigate and logical user flows.. various designers have done different parts of their website and it is a mess.. The main stakeholder puts trust in the people that have worked on his website to date and it is very hard to drive a change as he expects to see a finished protodype.. Their products and resources are interesting but the way they direct the user really lets them down.. It deters me as a user from returning to their website

[@uddipta_mahanta]

Pretty slick intro

[@darilrahmatullah4161]

i join a non profit org whom their product is an educational app. as junior designer, i guess im the only one who thinks that user research is essential. the seniors and bussines owner are reluctant to facillitate user research yet they jump to conclusion that for ux designer its kinda awkward.. im thinking to resign. what do u think va? thank you for bring up the topic

[@dipraghosh8779]

I work for a business process management and outsourcing company. How can I carry out user research when the targeted customers are CXOs or business analysts, business developers, in other words, decision makers in the organization? They are very busy people who probably won't participate for a small incentive. While my manager understands the importance of primary research, he considers it a very time-consuming process. Using different secondary research methods from your book as well as analyzing existing industry reports and talking to people on Quora have been extremely beneficial for me, but I miss the face-to-face interview aspect of the research. Is there another way to engage with these CXO level people, or am I missing some user research aspect in a B2B environment?

[@TheHennes36]

What would be your tips in getting better access to students? I mean grade 5-12 so quite young and therefore quite hard to get into a synchronous interview... Does anyone of you have experience and can share some best pracices/tips here?

[@Honkdonk]

I am working for a consultant company that sends out UX professionals to other companies for work. The company they have posted me at, is mismanaged, where they don't even know what hi fidelity and low fidelity means. When I create high fidelity prototypes, they call it low fidelity because they dont like the color. Of course in such an organization research is not even a topic of discussion. Ive had many, long winded arguments with my manager and even my consultation company, but no one is doing anything about it. Ive taken pricing plans and budgets to them and even a road map to how it can be done and the benifits of research, to no avail. I am not going to put money from my own salary to get users because it's not financially feesable for me. but that seems like the only way. I want to leave and join another more mature compnay. Currently im struggling to make a compelling project for my portfolio because it lacks any sort of depth and I am finding it difficult to find jobs in a design mature company because of my experience with this current work. I am only 1 year into the UX field and I'm hoping I get better opportunities to learn and grow after this bad experience.

[@vaexperience]

Hey, this is a big challenge; the fault is in your company, not the client. I worked in consultancy for years and it is essential from even before you are positioning in the project that UX is being sold the right way with clear expectations of what you will do, why, how etc. If you company doesn't value UX and positions you as UI resource than you won't be able to convince your client otherwise. Consider if it's the right environment as it might stunt your development in UX. On the other hand if you feel you can make that change and there's hope you change your boss mind might be worth to work on it. If I would to go back in time I would certainly not stick around in a position where UX is not really appreciated or marketed well to the clients.