7 Mistakes UX Designers Make with Stakeholders and How to Avoid Them

PRO INSIGHT

Stakeholder management is one of the most overlooked aspects of a UX Designers role.

The key to successful projects, and indeed successful careers, often hinges on the quality of your relationships.

Stakeholders often have more influence over the project decisions and when promotions are up for grabs they’ll likely be consulted before you’re considered for the role.

With that in mind, it pays dividends to invest in your stakeholder relationships.

A little goes a long way and it’s important to be consistent and keep showing up and doing great work.

Jack O’Donoghue (2 x Bestselling UX Course Creator)
– UX Strategy Blueprint
– Design Thinking Made Simple

Effective collaboration between UX designers and stakeholders is critical for the success of any project. 

However, even experienced designers can fall into certain traps that hinder this collaboration. 

Here are seven common mistakes UX designers make when working with stakeholders and how to avoid them:

1. Failing to Establish Clear Objectives

The Mistake: Starting projects without a clear understanding of what needs to be achieved can lead to confusion and misaligned expectations. Without clear objectives, it’s easy for projects to go off track and for stakeholders to become frustrated with the lack of direction and progress. 

The Solution: Initiate every project with a comprehensive kickoff meeting. Use this time to discuss and align on the project’s objectives, success criteria, and timelines. Make sure that everyone, including all stakeholders and team members, has a clear understanding of the project’s goals and what success looks like. Document these objectives and refer back to them throughout the project to ensure everyone stays on track.

2. Underestimating Stakeholder Insights

The Mistake: Designers sometimes view their solutions as the only path forward, overlooking the valuable insights and diverse perspectives stakeholders can offer. Stakeholders often have deep industry knowledge and understand their business’s unique challenges and opportunities, which can significantly contribute to the project’s success. 

The Solution: Actively engage stakeholders in the design process. Encourage them to share their insights, experiences, and concerns. Treat these conversations as a valuable resource for enhancing and refining your designs. By fostering a collaborative environment, you can create solutions that are not only user-centric but also align with business objectives.

3. Ineffective Communication

The Mistake: Using too much jargon, not communicating regularly, or failing to articulate design decisions can lead to misunderstandings and a lack of trust. Effective communication is crucial for ensuring that everyone is on the same page and feels involved in the process. 

The Solution: Develop a communication plan that outlines how and when you’ll update stakeholders. Use clear, concise language and avoid unnecessary technical jargon. When presenting design decisions, be prepared to explain your rationale and how it aligns with project objectives. Regular updates and open dialogue will keep stakeholders engaged and informed.

4. Not Prioritizing User Research

The Mistake: Prioritizing stakeholder opinions over actual user data can lead to designs that don’t meet user needs. While stakeholder input is valuable, it should not replace user research. 

The Solution: Integrate user research into every stage of your design process. Use data and user feedback to inform your design decisions and validate your ideas. When presenting to stakeholders, use this research to back up your decisions and show how they will benefit the end-users. This approach not only leads to better designs but also helps stakeholders understand the value of user-centered design.

5. Overlooking Feedback Prioritization

The Mistake: Trying to incorporate every piece of feedback can lead to a cluttered, unfocused design. Not all feedback is created equal, and some of it might even contradict your user research or project objectives. 

The Solution: Develop a systematic approach to prioritize feedback. Consider factors such as alignment with user needs, project goals, and the impact on the overall design. Discuss this prioritization with stakeholders, explaining why some feedback is being incorporated and some is not. This approach ensures that the design remains focused and aligned with the project’s objectives.

6. Not Acknowledging Stakeholder Pressures and Concerns

The Mistake: Not acknowledging or understanding the business pressures and concerns stakeholders face can lead to a lack of empathy and cooperation. Stakeholders often have their own goals and challenges, which can influence their perspectives and decisions. 

The Solution: Take the time to understand the business context in which your stakeholders operate. Learn about their goals, pressures, and concerns. This understanding will allow you to anticipate potential objections and tailor your communication and design proposals to address these business needs, fostering a more empathetic and collaborative environment.

7. Treating Projects as Transactions

The Mistake: Viewing each project as a one-time transaction can prevent the development of a strong, ongoing relationship with stakeholders. Long-term relationships are built on trust, mutual respect, and a history of successful collaboration. 

The Solution: Approach each project as an opportunity to strengthen your relationship with stakeholders. Communicate openly, deliver consistently high-quality work, and show a genuine interest in their long-term goals and challenges. By investing in the relationship, you’ll build trust and credibility, making future collaborations smoother and more successful.

Wrapping Up

By avoiding these common mistakes and adopting a collaborative, empathetic approach, UX designers can build strong, productive relationships with stakeholders.

This not only leads to more successful projects but also contributes to a positive, user-centric culture within the organization.

You Asked, We Answered

Q: What’s the core of UX stakeholder management? 
A: It involves aligning UX goals with stakeholder expectations to ensure project success.

Q: How important is UX research in design? 
A: UX research is vital for understanding user needs and informing design decisions.

Q: Can you define UX design in simple terms? 
A: UX design is the process of creating products that provide meaningful experiences to users.

Q: What are some stakeholder management techniques? 
A: Techniques include stakeholder mapping, interviews, and regular communication for project alignment.

Q: Why is a design system important? 
A: A design system maintains design consistency and streamlines the development process.

Q: How should a stakeholder be involved in UX? 
A: Stakeholders should provide insights and feedback throughout the UX design process.

Q: What’s the role of a product manager in UX? 
A: A product manager oversees the product’s development, ensuring user needs are met through UX.

Q: What’s the difference between user research and UX research? 
A: User research focuses on understanding user behaviors, while UX research also considers the overall experience.

Q: How do you conduct a stakeholder interview effectively? 
A: Prepare questions in advance and listen actively to gather valuable insights.

Q: What’s a UX designer’s responsibility in a project? 
A: A UX designer is responsible for the overall user experience of the product.

Q: How do you perform stakeholder analysis in UX? 
A: Identify key stakeholders, understand their interests, and determine their influence on the project.

Q: What strategies help manage a difficult stakeholder? 
A: Open communication, empathy, and setting clear boundaries are effective strategies.