Last year i was approached by a design thought leader who was collecting stories for a publication of advice for designers early in their career. In the Spring of 2021 the final book was published and my article was fortunate to be included. Thank you to Dan Berlin and O’Reilly Press.
Below is my submitted draft for the book. You can find the paperback on Amazon.
Think like a missionary, not a mercenary
Becoming a UXer is a life calling; we have schooling and practices, yes, but it feels like much more than that. It feels to me like a sacred order.
As UX designers, we accept the responsibility (and burden) of unveiling the mystery of UX to everyone in our organizations. Because UX is so misunderstood, it’s tempting to see ourselves as mercenaries, ruthlessly cutting down anyone who we think stands in our way. Instead, our role is to be missionaries – evangelists of UX – to everyone around us. Being a missionary is about walking the walk and advancing the cause of UX as we go.
Our role is to be missionaries – evangelists of UX
– me
If you work in UX, you know that our craft is equal parts science, art, behavior, and data. As a leader of this innovative field, you must do more than just applying tools to user stories: You also need to carry the torch of our practice.
Pitfalls of being a mercenary
A mercenary approach to UX would not be collaborative: It would be motivated by “winning” and a sense of righteousness, often over short-term disagreements. By contrast, missionaries know the importance of short term gains, but are fundamentally driven by longe term strategic goals. To achieve those goals, missionaries strive to achieve small wins toward that future ideal state.
To that end, don’t let your idealism prevent you from being heard. Instead, learn to use the language of your business to advocate for your customers.
When your CEO pushes back on a design or complains about the time it takes to do research, resist the urge to feel defensive. Instead, acknowledge it as a different vocabulary. This may be the only way they have to express a business need. Instead of preparing for battle, find the opportunity for a dialogue. Digging your heels in too hard can alienate those who don’t understand your craft. Instead of trying to be right, consider their perspective and frame your own request in language that resonates with them.
Becoming a missionary
Being a missionary means thinking strategically at all times while building your narrative and support for that vision. Here are some ways to progress toward becoming the UX missionary in your company:
Build respect for UX in your organization – Actions speak louder than words. Deliberately and thoughtfully applying UX principles earns you currency to drive long-term change.
Advocate for the customer – UX is not the only voice in these discussions, but we do have a duty to put customers first. Since not every role has that same customer view, we must always advocate for them.
Find your followers -There will be natural points of alignment and partnership with Tech and Product, but don’t forget to build relationships with folks on other teams. Reaching across your organizational aisles will help you build trust and find partners.
Solicit advice – Create your own Board of Directors: Mentors, colleagues, and peers who are experienced enough to guide and challenge you.
Stay on the path
During my own journey along this winding UX path, I’ve collected a lot of dust on my sandals. Expect to stumble on your missionary path, and to wander off the path once or twice. You won’t nail it every time, but a few short-term losses don’t negate the bigger picture.
As a UX missionary, I wake up each day excited to share my craft with the world. When I frame this passion in ways that inspire others, it makes the work worthwhile.
