How do UI Designers work with engineers to ensure their vision is achieved?
The design is what ships. Therefore, working with engineers is critical. Here are some of my top techniques for this:
1. Figure out which type of engineer you're working with
Some are not very interested in design and would just like you to spec out everything in great detail so they can focus on their thing. Others have a lot of good design ideas. Get them involved in the process early so you get their ideas and buy in.
2. Skim all bugs and code reviews for the product
That way you know what's actually going on with the code and find out about issues that affect the design but engineers might not realize you'd care about.
3. Do some front-end coding (but not too much)
Doing a little coding helps you get the details right in the design and also earns you a lot of respect from engineers. However, it can take too much time away from design so use sparingly.
4. Sit by engineers
When your desk is by the engineers you'll be involved in the hallway conversations and will build genuine friendships. You're also more likely to see working versions of the code every step of the way so you find out about problems early.
5. Show the vision
Designers are really good at imagining interfaces from a simple description or wireframes so we tend to underestimate the power of making the vision concrete with a prototype or video. If you show a compelling vision at the right time engineers will often get inspired and put in the extra effort to dial in the implementation.
6. Involve engineers in user research
When they see a user using the product directly or hear about a pain point first hand on a field study, it's a thousand times more compelling than the report afterwards.
7. Choose your battles
Unfortunately It's almost never possible to get every pixel and flow just right. Cut stuff you don't absolutely need so the essentials get more polish. Give in sometimes and save your capital for the things that matter most.
8. Don't whine
UX people sometimes get into a habit of complaining about how no one will listen to their ideas. This can be a self fulfilling prophecy as then you start to sound weak and unauthoritative. Without being arrogant or closed minded, try to carry yourself with a demeanor that you are confident that your ideas and viewpoint are essential for the team to succeed.
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