Deciding to partner with a UX designer for your latest design project will elevate your website and provide professional insights with lasting impacts.
The quality of your new design rests on the ability of your designer, but also on how well you perform your role as a client.
In this article, we explain how you can prepare to work with a UX designer to maximize your working relationship and create a quality product.
- Prepare for the kickoff interview
- Establish SMART goals for the project
- Prepare for the strategy phase
Prepare for the UX Design Kickoff Interview
The UX design kickoff interview is the first step of the design process.
UX designers need to know as much as possible about your company and its products, so it’s essential that you prepare your answers for the kickoff interview.
First, your designer will likely ask about your products and your company. Your answer will directly impact their design strategy, so come prepared with a detailed description of your company that includes:
- A brief history of your company
- An introduction to the product or service you’re promoting
In the kickoff interview, be prepared to answer questions about your revenue, your competition, your users, and what sets your product apart. These questions will help UX designers decide how they can best help you.
Communicate Status and Goals for the Design Project
After addressing big-picture aspects of your business, designers will likely want to know more detailed information about your product development.
Prepare to have the following information on hand to discuss:
- Your website’s current stage of development
- Your past research, beta testing, and interviews with other design firms
- Your successes and failures in the production process
- Your goals for the project
Of these, your overall business goals are the most important – your design needs to be reflective of well-thought-out and planned set of business goals.
I generally advise companies to format their goals using the SMART technique, or a goal that is:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Attainable
- Relevant
- Time-bound
Your goals should have numbers and key performance indicators (KPIs) attached to them. This helps to measure success across teams.
How well you prepare your SMART goals can have a direct effect on the quality of your final UX design. Take the time to prepare the best, most thorough answers possible.
Prepare for the Strategy Phase of UX Design
When your kickoff interview comes to a close, set up the parameters for collaboration.
Your designer needs to know which team members will act as contacts and decision-makers during the next stage of development, the strategy phase.
During the strategy phase, it’s essential that you allow designers the space needed to do their work. Trying to micromanage or control the outcome can interrupt the delicate balance of engineering and creativity that goes into preparing your designs.
Companies can help the design team during this phase by responding quickly to requests for information or communication.
As your website design progresses, you’ll begin to see prototype sketches of the new design and have the chance to share your input, questions, and comments.
Prepare For An Excellent UX Experience
Preparing to work with a UX designer involves conducting company research and selecting a small team of decision-makers to act as contact people throughout the process.
Use online resources to find the best designers for your needs and prepare for how you plan to work with them to create the best product.
The research and work you put in on the front end of your engagement with a UX designer allows you to you feel confident about your partnership and gives them the freedom to create the best designs possible.