Six ways to balance users and client needs as a UI/UX designer.

Designers are often caught at the crossroads between user needs and client requirements during the product design phase—the failure to fit into the nice spot between the two impacts both quality and the designer's credibility.

It can be quite challenging because while a designer aims to make users feel seen and heard, he also aims to be on the good side of clients, which can only be achieved when business needs are met and satisfied.

Aiming to suit only clients needs will come at a great cost because an effective design must aim to improve the target user experience.

Having established the above facts, let us discuss ways to harmonize user-centricity and business goals in digital product design.

1. Set clear business goals: Users' needs are paramount, but designers must also consider the business's goals. It is important for designers to have clear and well-defined business goals that provide a roadmap for the design process, then work towards ensuring that the resulting product aligns with the company’s vision. It will be impossible for a designer to focus only on user needs, but a full understanding of the business goals will enable the designer to make informed decisions during the design process.
2. Prioritize User-Centered Design: Users are the lifeblood of any business, and they expect brands to deliver on their promises, solve their problems, and satisfy their desires. To balance users's needs in design, you need to understand who your prospective users or target audience are, what they want, and how they view other products, that is, your competitors. If there are conflicts of interest between your users' needs and the client's requirements after user research, resolve them by placing their needs alongside the business goals and seeing what compromises are to be made.
3. Educate and Advocate for Users: Clients may not always grasp the significance of the user experience. Your responsibility is to both educate them and stand up for the users. by utilizing data and research results to showcase the advantages of user-centric design. and providing a detailed explanation of the possible trade-offs that may arise from ignoring user needs. It is your responsibility to assist your clients in recognizing that sacrificing the user experience can result in decreased engagement, increased churn rates, and ultimately a detrimental effect on their business objectives.
4. Maintain Flexibility and Adaptability: The design process is constantly evolving, and as new insights are gained, requirements may shift. Remaining nimble and being able to adjust is essential.Agile Approach: Implement agile practices that support incremental progress and enable rapid adaptations in response to feedback.Continuous Improvement: Adopt a mentality focused on constantly enhancing and evolving. Consistently reassess and improve your designs by considering user input and changing client requirements.
5. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaboration is key for designers who aim to design efficient and usable products. Designers need to learn collaboration skills, which foster a culture of collaboration among other designers, product managers, project managers, developers, and other teams involved in product creation. If these people were not introduced to you, for instance, in a side gig, request that your client introduce you to them. This should reduce, if not eradicate, unnecessary back and forth during the development phase of the product.
6. Find Common Ground: The key to finding a balance is to involve stakeholders and clients early in the design process and to prioritize the most critical user needs and business requirements. By so doing, you can create successful digital products that satisfy your user needs and business goals. Note: Finding common ground can turn potential conflicts into opportunities for creative problem-solving.

Designers have the responsibility to shape experiences that enhance lives, solve problems, and bring joy. This is a great responsibility, and you can't do it alone. - Google

In conclusion, to effectively balance the needs of users and clients in design, designers must prioritize user satisfaction, communication, collaboration, and aligning clients' interests. This approach ensures a cohesive and successful product that resonates with all shareholders, users, and stakeholders at large.

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Motunrayo Joseph, Technical Writer of "Product Tribe"

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