Even as UX design and user research are becoming a more prominent focus in today’s leading companies, it can still be tough to get executive leadership onboard with user research-related initiatives. We know the struggle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So if you are a UX professional or product manager, and it feels that your projects are constantly getting sidelined, what are you to do? How can you make sure that you get what you want and are well supported? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You need executive buy-in.<\/em> But of course, that\u2019s easier said than done. Sadly, we have not found a magic bullet that will help the role of UX become instantly heard and properly funded. However, we do<\/em> have some ideas about how UX professionals can sell themselves to their executive teams and ultimately earn buy-in for their work. You may be thinking to yourself, I have the support of my direct manager, isn\u2019t that enough? Sure, that helps, but it will only get you so far. When we talk about executive buy-in, we\u2019re referring not only to support from your senior leadership but also from department heads besides<\/em> your own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Executive buy-in is important because it means that your initiatives are more likely to be incorporated into the larger strategic plans for your organization. In turn, this will mean that the money and resources you need to see your projects through will be accounted for. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Without executive buy-in, UX projects might as well be on a deserted island. Think about it: in the mind of a CEO or c-level leaders, the success of a company comes down to the money it makes (and its ability to operate sustainably). Obviously, UX work creates value, but the ways in which it impacts a company\u2019s bottom line isn\u2019t as instantly clear as, say, a salesperson closing a large deal. This doesn\u2019t mean that all hope is lost for UX professionals, it just means that they have to work that much harder to prove their case. In practice, that comes down to being able to clearly illustrate the value that they create for the company. If today, you can\u2019t draw a clear line between your work as a UX department and how you\u2019re making or saving your company money, you certainly have your work cut out for you. Sometimes, as professionals, we can assume that we\u2019re not getting the resources or time or attention we want because other departments or projects just need it more. Maybe this is true, or maybe they’re just better at advocating for their needs. With this mindset, you may feel guilty for asking for more. But you shouldn\u2019t let this worry stop you from asking for what your department or project needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For one, UX professionals are researchers and designers, but they are also advocates for users. This is a crucial function of businesses and it should be staffed and funded properly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n UX professionals are researchers and designers, but they are also advocates for users.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n There are also interdepartmental benefits to user research. You shouldn\u2019t feel guilty for pushing for more focus on UX and user research because it doesn\u2019t just <\/em>benefit your department, and with the rise of automation<\/a>, it\u2019s easier and cheaper to do well than ever before. Having said that, we don\u2019t advise demanding<\/em> more attention and budget – you should be persuasive but respectful and open to feedback. Every organization has needs and goals that have to be balanced properly. If we knew a way to get everybody on your side in one-fell-swoop that didn\u2019t involve hypnosis, we would definitely share it. But unfortunately, we haven\u2019t found that solution just yet. In the meantime, all you need to do is keep in mind that every department and individual contributor has different goals and metrics they\u2019re assessed on. This means that different evidence and messaging will resonate with them. Make sure you understand your audience, then frame your argument accordingly. Talk to your marketer friends, this is basically their job. So what if you don\u2019t have a specific project you\u2019re trying to get resources or funding for? That\u2019s okay, too. Realistically, trying to get buy-in from an executive team that doesn\u2019t already have knowledge of your projects when you need thousands of dollars by next month is probably a lost cause. You need to consistently work towards laying the foundation for executive buy-in. However, if you are working toward getting executive buy-in for a specific project or initiative, you should be able to find specific, compelling metrics and figures to present that will clearly demonstrate the return on investment from your projects. This will almost always help your case. The most time-consuming part of getting buy-in is educating the organization about what UX is and the role it has. This process is often an uphill battle as many people think UX is just about building landing pages. If other departments in your workplace match this description, you may need to put in the time to socialize an understanding of UX. This is especially true if you are part of a large organization. Don’t be surprised if when you think it’s all said and done, you suddenly find out someone in another department has last-minute questions or suddenly wants a closer look at your proposal. Sometimes, it can help to make the decision process as smooth as possible. For example, if you’re only missing a signature below your user research tool contract, don’t ask for a physical signature. Instead, use a handy e-signature tool<\/a> like Signturely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Manage your own expectations about how long this process will take, as it will require some patience and time invested. But it\u2019ll be worth the investment! While this may be less of an issue than it used to be, we still recommend making sure everyone in your organization is on the same page about what UX is and how it creates value. One suggestion from the R. Donnelly<\/a> blog is hosting UX meetups or lunch and learns. This practice keeps the benefits of UX top of mind and increases familiarity with the UX department and its goals\/projects.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Why is executive buy-in so important?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Things to Keep in Mind. <\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t feel guilty! <\/strong>
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<\/p>\n\n\n\nBe prepared to customize your approach. <\/strong>
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<\/p>\n\n\n\nThis advice still applies even if you aren\u2019t advocating for a specific project. <\/strong>
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<\/p>\n\n\n\nIt may take time.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Building Your Case. <\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Prime Your Team on UX\/User Research <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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