design by committee
DESCRIPTION
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
![Page 1: Design by Committee](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022060109/55517e9db4c90596028b468c/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
Kevin LeebroderickUser Experience LeadTribune Company
July IXDA 2012 @ Tribune Company
DESIGN BY COMMITTEEMaintaining Sanity in an Agile Environment
Pradeep NayarFormer UX PrincipalTribune Company
Tuesday, July 31, 12
![Page 2: Design by Committee](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022060109/55517e9db4c90596028b468c/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
We are a
MEDIACOMPANY
23TV STATIONS
8NEWSPAPERS
50+WEBSITES
Tuesday, July 31, 12
![Page 3: Design by Committee](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022060109/55517e9db4c90596028b468c/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
160years
oldTuesday, July 31, 12
![Page 4: Design by Committee](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022060109/55517e9db4c90596028b468c/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
Tuesday, July 31, 12
![Page 5: Design by Committee](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022060109/55517e9db4c90596028b468c/html5/thumbnails/5.jpg)
5
PRIOR UX WORK
Tuesday, July 31, 12
![Page 6: Design by Committee](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022060109/55517e9db4c90596028b468c/html5/thumbnails/6.jpg)
L.A. TIMES IPAD APP
Tuesday, July 31, 12
![Page 7: Design by Committee](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022060109/55517e9db4c90596028b468c/html5/thumbnails/7.jpg)
L.A. TIMES WINDOWS
PHONE 7 APPTuesday, July 31, 12
![Page 8: Design by Committee](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022060109/55517e9db4c90596028b468c/html5/thumbnails/8.jpg)
CRIME L.A.ANDROID
APP
Tuesday, July 31, 12
![Page 9: Design by Committee](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022060109/55517e9db4c90596028b468c/html5/thumbnails/9.jpg)
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
WINDOWS 8APP
Tuesday, July 31, 12
![Page 10: Design by Committee](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022060109/55517e9db4c90596028b468c/html5/thumbnails/10.jpg)
Mobile
Social
Tablet
TV
Web
Strategy
CONCEPTS
10
Tuesday, July 31, 12
![Page 11: Design by Committee](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022060109/55517e9db4c90596028b468c/html5/thumbnails/11.jpg)
PRIOR UX WORK
11
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
RESPONSIVE
Tuesday, July 31, 12
![Page 12: Design by Committee](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022060109/55517e9db4c90596028b468c/html5/thumbnails/12.jpg)
“DESIGN BY COMMITTEE”PARTICIPATORY DESIGN
OUR GOAL
12
Tuesday, July 31, 12
![Page 13: Design by Committee](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022060109/55517e9db4c90596028b468c/html5/thumbnails/13.jpg)
Redesigning the Stop sign
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwqPYeTSYngTuesday, July 31, 12
![Page 14: Design by Committee](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022060109/55517e9db4c90596028b468c/html5/thumbnails/14.jpg)
14
WE’RE AGILE!...almost
Tuesday, July 31, 12
![Page 15: Design by Committee](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022060109/55517e9db4c90596028b468c/html5/thumbnails/15.jpg)
AGILE = COLLABORATION
15
Tuesday, July 31, 12
![Page 16: Design by Committee](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022060109/55517e9db4c90596028b468c/html5/thumbnails/16.jpg)
16
Tuesday, July 31, 12
![Page 17: Design by Committee](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022060109/55517e9db4c90596028b468c/html5/thumbnails/17.jpg)
LET’S BRAINSTORM
Tuesday, July 31, 12
![Page 18: Design by Committee](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022060109/55517e9db4c90596028b468c/html5/thumbnails/18.jpg)
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
Tuesday, July 31, 12
![Page 19: Design by Committee](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022060109/55517e9db4c90596028b468c/html5/thumbnails/19.jpg)
“Brainstorm” in isolation
19
SOLUTION
Have a designated facilitator
Embrace divergent thinking;
conduct individual exploration
Conduct a design studio, not a BRAINSTORM MEETING!!!
Tuesday, July 31, 12
![Page 20: Design by Committee](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022060109/55517e9db4c90596028b468c/html5/thumbnails/20.jpg)
THE CREW
Tuesday, July 31, 12
![Page 21: Design by Committee](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022060109/55517e9db4c90596028b468c/html5/thumbnails/21.jpg)
THE CREW
STAKEHOLDERS
DEVELOPERS
PRODUCT MANAGER
PROJECT MANAGER
QUALITY ASSURANCE
TEAM UX
Tuesday, July 31, 12
![Page 22: Design by Committee](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022060109/55517e9db4c90596028b468c/html5/thumbnails/22.jpg)
THE CREW
STAKEHOLDERS
DEVELOPERS
PRODUCT MANAGER
PROJECT MANAGER
QUALITY ASSURANCE
TEAM UX
Tuesday, July 31, 12
![Page 23: Design by Committee](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022060109/55517e9db4c90596028b468c/html5/thumbnails/23.jpg)
SPHERES OF INFLUENCE
STAKEHOLDERS
DEVELOPERS
PRODUCT MANAGER
PROJECT MANAGER
QUALITY ASSURANCE
TEAM UX
Tuesday, July 31, 12
![Page 24: Design by Committee](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022060109/55517e9db4c90596028b468c/html5/thumbnails/24.jpg)
TEAM UX
Tuesday, July 31, 12
![Page 25: Design by Committee](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022060109/55517e9db4c90596028b468c/html5/thumbnails/25.jpg)
You are a design facilitator
25
SPOILER ALERT
In an agile environment...
Tuesday, July 31, 12
![Page 26: Design by Committee](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022060109/55517e9db4c90596028b468c/html5/thumbnails/26.jpg)
Not enough time
26
CHALLENGE
Tuesday, July 31, 12
![Page 27: Design by Committee](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022060109/55517e9db4c90596028b468c/html5/thumbnails/27.jpg)
27
SOLUTION
STARTSKETCHING!!!
Tuesday, July 31, 12
![Page 28: Design by Committee](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022060109/55517e9db4c90596028b468c/html5/thumbnails/28.jpg)
NO EXCUSES!
Tuesday, July 31, 12
![Page 29: Design by Committee](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022060109/55517e9db4c90596028b468c/html5/thumbnails/29.jpg)
SOLUTION
PRESENTinternally
CRITIQUEnot gut reaction
PROTOTYPETest it!
many ideas
SKETCH
rinse & repeat
Tuesday, July 31, 12
![Page 30: Design by Committee](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022060109/55517e9db4c90596028b468c/html5/thumbnails/30.jpg)
Believe in your solution
30
You can’t sell it if you don’t believe it.
Tuesday, July 31, 12
![Page 31: Design by Committee](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022060109/55517e9db4c90596028b468c/html5/thumbnails/31.jpg)
Never go aloneAlways tag team.
31
SPOILER ALERT
VISUAL DESIGNER UX ARCHITECT
+
Tuesday, July 31, 12
![Page 32: Design by Committee](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022060109/55517e9db4c90596028b468c/html5/thumbnails/32.jpg)
PRODUCT MANAGER
Tuesday, July 31, 12
![Page 33: Design by Committee](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022060109/55517e9db4c90596028b468c/html5/thumbnails/33.jpg)
They are your closest ally but...
33
There is a grey area - work it out!
Tuesday, July 31, 12
![Page 34: Design by Committee](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022060109/55517e9db4c90596028b468c/html5/thumbnails/34.jpg)
Let’s do what the N.Y. Times does...
34
CHALLENGE
“Follow the leader” approach.
Tuesday, July 31, 12
![Page 35: Design by Committee](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022060109/55517e9db4c90596028b468c/html5/thumbnails/35.jpg)
Explain why it may not workTime 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.
Tuesday, July 31, 12
![Page 36: Design by Committee](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022060109/55517e9db4c90596028b468c/html5/thumbnails/36.jpg)
They might try to design the interface
36
CHALLENGE
Let them sketch ideas.
Tuesday, July 31, 12
![Page 37: Design by Committee](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022060109/55517e9db4c90596028b468c/html5/thumbnails/37.jpg)
Be open to various forms of communication
37
SOLUTION
Remind them that your job is to make them look good.
Tuesday, July 31, 12
![Page 38: Design by Committee](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022060109/55517e9db4c90596028b468c/html5/thumbnails/38.jpg)
They help push hard features forward
38
It’s important to maintain daily communication with them.
Tuesday, July 31, 12
![Page 39: Design by Committee](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022060109/55517e9db4c90596028b468c/html5/thumbnails/39.jpg)
PROJECT MANAGER
Tuesday, July 31, 12
![Page 40: Design by Committee](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022060109/55517e9db4c90596028b468c/html5/thumbnails/40.jpg)
They are usually the scrum master
40
A good project manager can make or break a project.
Tuesday, July 31, 12
![Page 41: Design by Committee](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022060109/55517e9db4c90596028b468c/html5/thumbnails/41.jpg)
Over promises on deliverables
41
CHALLENGE
Trying to please an impatient stakeholder.
Tuesday, July 31, 12
![Page 42: Design by Committee](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022060109/55517e9db4c90596028b468c/html5/thumbnails/42.jpg)
Be upfront and realistic about estimates
42
SOLUTION
Build on existing trust and confidence.
There is no such thing as over-communication.
Tuesday, July 31, 12
![Page 43: Design by Committee](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022060109/55517e9db4c90596028b468c/html5/thumbnails/43.jpg)
DEVELOPERS
Tuesday, July 31, 12
![Page 44: Design by Committee](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022060109/55517e9db4c90596028b468c/html5/thumbnails/44.jpg)
44
Best friend or worst enemyThey make your ideas come to life.
Tuesday, July 31, 12
![Page 45: Design by Committee](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022060109/55517e9db4c90596028b468c/html5/thumbnails/45.jpg)
Like reuse of code & efficiency
45
CHALLENGE
Solutions oriented around technology
rather than the needs of users.
Tuesday, July 31, 12
![Page 46: Design by Committee](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022060109/55517e9db4c90596028b468c/html5/thumbnails/46.jpg)
46
Reality of agile developmentStuff always changes.
Tuesday, July 31, 12
![Page 47: Design by Committee](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022060109/55517e9db4c90596028b468c/html5/thumbnails/47.jpg)
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.
Tuesday, July 31, 12
![Page 48: Design by Committee](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022060109/55517e9db4c90596028b468c/html5/thumbnails/48.jpg)
QUALITY ASSURANCE
Tuesday, July 31, 12
![Page 49: Design by Committee](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022060109/55517e9db4c90596028b468c/html5/thumbnails/49.jpg)
If UX is the quarterback...
49
QA is the receiver.
Tuesday, July 31, 12
![Page 50: Design by Committee](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022060109/55517e9db4c90596028b468c/html5/thumbnails/50.jpg)
QA only tests functionality
50
CHALLENGE
Tuesday, July 31, 12
![Page 51: Design by Committee](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022060109/55517e9db4c90596028b468c/html5/thumbnails/51.jpg)
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.
Tuesday, July 31, 12
![Page 52: Design by Committee](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022060109/55517e9db4c90596028b468c/html5/thumbnails/52.jpg)
STAKEHOLDERS
Tuesday, July 31, 12
![Page 53: Design by Committee](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022060109/55517e9db4c90596028b468c/html5/thumbnails/53.jpg)
53
Talk to them in a language they understandTalk about customers, not users.
Tuesday, July 31, 12
![Page 54: Design by Committee](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022060109/55517e9db4c90596028b468c/html5/thumbnails/54.jpg)
UX also needs to think about the business
54
SPOILER ALERT
User needs + business needs = $$$ for everyone.
Tuesday, July 31, 12
![Page 55: Design by Committee](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022060109/55517e9db4c90596028b468c/html5/thumbnails/55.jpg)
55
CHALLENGE
Dealing with an alpha personality
Tuesday, July 31, 12
![Page 56: Design by Committee](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022060109/55517e9db4c90596028b468c/html5/thumbnails/56.jpg)
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.
Tuesday, July 31, 12
![Page 57: Design by Committee](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022060109/55517e9db4c90596028b468c/html5/thumbnails/57.jpg)
57
Always present your workNever email a deliverable and assume
they understand your lengthy email.
SPOILER ALERT
SELL
Tuesday, July 31, 12
![Page 58: Design by Committee](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022060109/55517e9db4c90596028b468c/html5/thumbnails/58.jpg)
58
Selling the ideaConsider making it a experience.
PresentationExperience
Tuesday, July 31, 12
![Page 59: Design by Committee](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022060109/55517e9db4c90596028b468c/html5/thumbnails/59.jpg)
Tuesday, July 31, 12
![Page 60: Design by Committee](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022060109/55517e9db4c90596028b468c/html5/thumbnails/60.jpg)
Give them options, but lead them to your choiceAlways tell a story.
Solution A
Normal
Solution B
Better
Solution C
What they should want
Tuesday, July 31, 12
![Page 61: Design by Committee](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022060109/55517e9db4c90596028b468c/html5/thumbnails/61.jpg)
61
What are you selling?
TRUST & CONFIDENCE
Tuesday, July 31, 12
![Page 62: Design by Committee](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022060109/55517e9db4c90596028b468c/html5/thumbnails/62.jpg)
It’s not a war
62
FINALLY!
We’re all in this together.
Tuesday, July 31, 12
![Page 63: Design by Committee](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022060109/55517e9db4c90596028b468c/html5/thumbnails/63.jpg)
Thanks!
63
Get in touch with questions, comments
or other feedback
Pradeep Nayar
designonmymind
Kevin Leebroderick
Tuesday, July 31, 12
![Page 64: Design by Committee](https://reader033.vdocuments.net/reader033/viewer/2022060109/55517e9db4c90596028b468c/html5/thumbnails/64.jpg)
Special thanks to
64
Kim Ruelo
Adam Jankowski
Kate Rosendale
Andre Alforque
Trent Sherrell
Tuesday, July 31, 12