6 Challenges A UX Designer faces in a Project.

In the previous article How To Become a UI/UX Designer, we were able to understand the difference between UI and UX design. We also learned how to become a professional in either of the two.

Working as a UX designer on a project is not just fun but a rewarding experience. Every project you contribute adds value to your portfolio and teaches you a lot. But the truth is that you would face a lot of challenges, with co-workers, processes and a lot more. True, you would be able to solve many of these challenges but some would cause you headaches. 

These highlight some challenges UX designers face.

Understanding the domain

A Project from an all-new domain can be challenging at the onset. This is challenging because you have little knowledge about the domain. One of the ways to tackle this is to spend some days exploring the domain. You also need to be honest with your product owner about your level of understanding from the domain in question.

You should also take extra courses on YouTube, Udemy, and Coursera. Use google to get more information. Be willing to learn new things and smarter ways of doing things.

Contextual Research

Many UX designers do not have access to the Users. This is a real challenge because what you are designing is for the users and you want them to enjoy using the product. You shouldn’t be discouraged when facing this challenge because many organizations even find it difficult to understand perfectly what it is the Users really want. 

Carry out research if you don’t have much data as this would help you work with facts and figures. If your client does not have confidence in you, then you need to build confidence in them of your ability to handle the project. You can do this by showing them your previous work and demonstrate how access to users help in validating needs and concepts.

Collaborating with stakeholders

When working on any project, you would need to have discussions with the users and many stakeholders in the company and outside. Sometimes, you may have to do this talking alone or might be accompanied by other designers, product or business owners, etc. To make your interactions effective and less stressful you would need to have good communication skills.

Working with developers

It has been noticed that this is a big challenge UX designers face in a project. If you are a more experienced person in the team and others have lesser experience then you may likely face fewer problems. Bit if the reverse is the case and you are the junior designer and there are senior developers in the project there is a high possibility that your voice would not be heard. 

The developers may say they do not have components ready or they may need more time in creating a component. At times, you may even have issues with them during handoffs. Seek to build a good rapport with every member of the team, whether senior or junior and the issues you would have with them would be less. Have regular open communications and convey changes proactively.

Deadlines

Meeting deadlines sometimes is a headache for a UX designer. If you are working with multiple teams then it may be very challenging for you to manage everyone and get on hands on deck. This involves managing not just your own work but the team’s expectations and individual team deadlines. It could be overwhelming.

To meet the deadline, you need to set clear expectations for each sprint for each team you are managing. Try your best to stay ahead of the developers. Take deadlines positively and see them as something that helps you stay creative.

Depending on the organization, type of business, project type, and team, there are numerous challenges a UX designer may face. But whichever challenge comes your way, be sure you apply emotional intelligence in every situation and openly communicate.

Sign up on Bixex to connect with freelance UI/UX designers, other freelancers in different niches, and business owners. There are numerous gigs and offers you can work on. The Bixex App is available on Google Playstore and App store.

Read Also: 10 Tips on How to Improve Your Copywriting Skill.