Here's how you can effectively handle expectations with your boss in mobile design.

1 Clarify Goals

To start on the right foot, you need to have a clear understanding of what your boss expects from the mobile design project. Request a detailed brief and ask questions to clarify any ambiguous points. It's important to understand the project's objectives, target audience, and desired outcomes. This initial step sets the foundation for meeting expectations and also provides a reference point to revisit if there's any misalignment between your boss's vision and the project's direction.

2 Manage Timelines

One of the most frequent sources of tension in mobile design projects is the timeline. It's crucial to establish realistic deadlines and communicate them clearly to your boss. Explain the process involved in designing for mobile, including research, prototyping, user testing, and iterations. By providing a clear schedule with milestones, you can set expectations for when each phase of the project will be completed and allow for any necessary adjustments along the way.

3 Foster Communication

Effective communication is the linchpin of expectation management. Keep your boss updated with regular progress reports and be transparent about any challenges or delays. Use non-technical language to explain design decisions and how they align with project objectives. If you encounter obstacles, present them alongside potential solutions. This proactive approach demonstrates your commitment to the project and can help maintain a positive dynamic with your boss.

4 Demonstrate Value

It's important to continuously demonstrate the value of your mobile design work. Explain how design choices directly impact user experience and engagement, which are critical factors for the success of any mobile application. Share insights from user feedback and analytics to show how your design decisions are data-driven. This helps your boss understand the rationale behind your work and reinforces the importance of good design in achieving business goals.

5 Set Boundaries

While it's important to meet your boss's expectations, it's also necessary to set realistic boundaries. Be honest about what is feasible within the constraints of time, budget, and resources. If your boss requests changes that are out of scope or could negatively impact the user experience, explain the implications and suggest alternatives. Setting these boundaries early on can prevent scope creep and ensure that the project stays focused on its primary objectives.

6 Adapt and Evolve

Lastly, be prepared to adapt and evolve as the project progresses. Mobile design is an iterative process, and your boss's expectations may change based on market trends or user feedback. Stay flexible and open to revising your designs. This agility can be a strength, allowing you to refine the mobile experience to better meet both user needs and business objectives. By being adaptable, you show your boss that you are committed to delivering the best possible outcome for the project.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?