Bridging the "That's Not My Job" Gap in UX and Product Design

Have you ever heard someone on your team say, "Making the product easy to use isn't my job"? This mindset can hurt your company in today's competitive market, where customers have many choices.

Why UX Matters for Everyone

User Experience (UX) isn't just about making things look pretty; it's the secret sauce behind products people love to use. It's about understanding what users really need, how they behave, and what frustrates them, then using that knowledge to create intuitive, enjoyable, and effective experiences.

When everyone on your team understands and values UX:

• Customers are happier: Your product becomes easier to use, increasing adoption, satisfaction, and loyalty.
• Teams work better together: A shared understanding of UX helps everyone speak the same language, aligning goals and priorities.
• Innovation blossoms: Diverse perspectives, fuelled by insights into user needs, can spark truly creative solutions.
• Collaboration is seamless: When everyone understands the user, the team becomes more cohesive and works more smoothly together.

Breaking Down the "That's Not My Job" Barrier

Several factors contribute to the "That's not my job" attitude towards UX:

• Lack of Awareness: Some team members may not fully understand what UX is and how it impacts their work.
• Intimidation: UX can seem complex or technical, making some people hesitant to engage.
• Time Constraints: Busy schedules can make it difficult to prioritize learning new skills.
• Organizational Culture: A lack of emphasis on user-centricity can discourage UX adoption.

Strategies for Building a Collaborative UX Culture

1. Education and Awareness: Provide basic UX training to all team members through workshops, lunch-and-learns, or short online courses. Explain how UX principles apply to their specific roles.
2. Clarify UX: Use plain language and relatable examples to make UX approachable. Encourage questions and create a safe space for learning and experimentation.
3. Lead by Example: Leaders should actively participate in UX activities, showing their commitment to user-centricity. This sets the tone for the rest of the team.
4. Integrate UX into Workflows: Incorporate UX activities into regular meetings and processes. Start meetings with a discussion of user feedback or conduct quick usability tests on prototypes.
5. Celebrate UX Wins: Recognize and reward team members who demonstrate a strong understanding of UX and apply it to their work. This reinforces the value of UX and encourages others to follow suit.

The Power of Learning Together

Imagine the possibilities when your team embraces a user-centric mindset—products that delight, teams that collaborate seamlessly, and a culture where innovation blossoms. I've witnessed these transformations with countless organizations, guiding them through their UX journeys and unlocking their full potential.

By breaking down the "that's not my job" barrier and fostering a culture of continuous learning, you can empower your team to create exceptional user experiences. Isn't it time you unleashed the full potential of UX in your organization? The results might surprise you.

I'm Jamie Gerrard, the founder of 20/20 Digital. I'm passionate about helping organizations create exceptional user experiences that truly resonate with customers and employees.

At 20/20 Digital, we believe that putting people at the centre of the decision-making process is key to designing service experiences and digital products that meet business goals and delight users.

Let's connect if you want to explore how 20/20 Digital can enhance your user experience strategy. I'd welcome the opportunity to discuss your specific goals and how we can help you achieve them.

LinkedIn: Jamie Gerrard and 20/20 Digital .

Part of the Learning UX Together series by Jamie Gerrard:

• Bridging the "That's Not My Job" Gap in UX and Product Design
• The Importance of Listening in UX Research
• Don't Let Your Product Fail: The Essential Role of Usability Testing
• A Collaborative UX Training Journey for Non-Designers