As a product designer working in the tech industry, job safety is always at the back of my mind. Although our jobs aren’t life-threatening like working with heavy machinery or dangerous chemicals, they pose a different set of challenges, one of them being convincing organizations of the value of UX.

Let’s face it — design is often undervalued in many organizations, and UX is no exception. As designers, we pour our heart and soul into every detail of a product, and we know that good UX can make or break a product’s success. But despite this, organizations often view design as expendable and not critical to the success of a product. They see it as a “nice-to-have” rather than a “must-have.” And when times get tough, the design team is often the first to go.

The biggest challenges faced by product designers

So, why is this the case? There are several reasons, but one of the most significant is that many organizations don’t truly understand what UX is or why it’s essential. UX design is a relatively new field, and many people outside of the industry assume that it’s just about making things look pretty. They regularly see the output that designers create, which includes deliverables like mockups and prototypes, but often aren’t aware of the behind-the-scenes activities that impact our design decisions, such as user research, diagramming, or usability testing.

Another reason why organizations undervalue UX is that it can be difficult to measure. While we can track metrics like user engagement or satisfaction, it can be challenging to attribute these metrics directly to good UX. But just because it’s challenging to measure doesn’t mean that it’s not important. The value of good UX is that it creates a product that people enjoy using and keeps them coming back. It drives user satisfaction, and that’s something that should be a priority for any organization.

Design-led organizations

One of the most significant shifts in recent years has been the rise of design-led organizations. Companies like Apple and Airbnb have made design a core part of their business, and as a result, they’ve seen incredible success. They’ve shown that design is not just a “nice-to-have” but a critical component of a successful product.

But even in design-led organizations, the battle for UX can still be challenging. I’ve worked at companies where design is viewed as a “must-have” until it’s time to make cuts. Then suddenly, the design team is expendable. This mentality can be frustrating and demoralizing, and it’s something that many designers struggle with.

Effective ways to communicate the value of UX

But how can we convince organizations of the value of UX? From my experience, these are the ways that I’ve found to be most effective:

1. Speak their language

Organizations understand metrics and numbers, so make sure you have data to back up your designs. Show how your designs have driven revenue or customer loyalty. Make a business case for how UX can help the company achieve its business objectives, perhaps by fixing a known frustrating experience or designing new features that clients have been asking for.

2. Be an advocate for the user

Ultimately, organizations want to make their customers happy. By being a strong advocate for the user, you’re showing that you’re invested in the success of the product and the company as a whole. Help your stakeholders make the connection between happy users and business success.

3. Educate, educate, educate

Many organizations simply don’t understand what UX is or why it’s important. Take the time to educate your colleagues and management about the design process and the value of good UX. This can be done through design workshops, involving them in design sessions, and showcasing the results of design initiatives that impacted the company in a positive way.

But even with these tactics, it can still be challenging to convince organizations of the value of UX. The reality is that in many organizations, design is still viewed as a support function rather than a strategic one.

Fostering a culture of design

So, what can we do about it? One approach is to focus on fostering a culture of design within the organization. This doesn’t mean just having a design team. It’s about involving designers in every aspect of the product development process, as well as empowering non-designers to adopt a user-centered approach to what they do. By doing this, designers can help shape the overall direction of the product and the organization, and make sure that user needs are being met at every stage.

Cross-functional collaboration

But it’s not just the design team’s responsibility to foster this culture. It’s essential to encourage cross-functional collaboration and communication between different teams. Designers need to work closely with product managers, developers, and other stakeholders to ensure everyone is on the same page. This means having regular communication with each other and a willingness to listen to different perspectives. Designers can use these sync-ups as a platform to advocate for users and educate stakeholders on how UX can support the overall business objectives.

Design recognition

Lastly, let’s not forget about recognition and rewards. Designers need to feel valued and supported in their work environment. When companies recognize and celebrate the contributions of designers, it creates a positive work environment and fosters a culture of design. Brag about your wins (humbly) and showcase initiatives that have resulted in improvements as a result of design.

Now, I know building a culture of design isn’t easy. But the benefits are well worth it. Cultural change doesn’t happen overnight and designers will have to fight a long uphill battle to see the fruits of their hard work. It can help to bring an external consultant or design leader into the organization in order to implement changes in the company’s culture and have teams take it more seriously.

Design representation

Another approach is to make sure that design is represented at the highest levels of the organization. This means having a Chief Design Officer or a VP of Design who reports directly to the CEO. By having design represented at the highest levels of the organization, it sends a message that design is a critical component of the company’s success.

In my experience, having a designated design executive can make a big difference in the success of a design team. Without representation, design can become an afterthought, and important decisions may be made without considering the impact on the user experience.

Misaligned business priorities

One issue that can arise is a lack of alignment between design and business goals. When design isn’t represented at the highest levels, there can be a disconnect between the design team’s priorities and the overall business strategy. This can lead to design decisions that don’t align with the company’s goals, which can be frustrating for everyone involved.

Product designers need to understand the big picture and how their work fits into the broader context of the organization. By doing so, they can better align their priorities with those of the business and make a stronger case for why design should be a priority.

Gaining buy-in from stakeholders

Another challenge is getting buy-in from other stakeholders. Without a design executive to champion their work, design teams may struggle to get the support they need from other departments. This can lead to a lack of resources, limited budgets, and difficulty implementing design changes that are needed to improve the user experience.

Advocating for design

So, what can design teams do when they don’t have a designated design executive? One approach is to take a more proactive role in advocating for design within the organization. This means communicating the value of design to other departments, building relationships with key stakeholders, and making a strong case for why design matters.

Building strong relationships

Designers should also seek out allies within the organization. This can include other executives, managers, and even individual contributors who are passionate about design. By building relationships with these individuals, design teams can gain support and advocacy for their work, even without a designated design executive.

Ultimately, the battle for UX is not an easy one, and it’s one that requires persistence and determination. As designers, it’s our responsibility to advocate for the value of UX and to show organizations why it’s essential. And while it can be frustrating and demoralizing at times, it’s important to remember that we’re not alone in this fight.

Final thoughts

In conclusion, job safety for product designers working in tech is a real concern, and the challenges of organizations understanding the value of UX can make it even more challenging. However, by speaking the language of the organization, being an advocate for the user, and educating others about the value of good UX, we can help make design a more valued and respected field.

It’s not an easy battle, and there will be setbacks along the way. But by joining together as a community of passionate designers, we can work to create a world where good design is recognized and appreciated for the critical role that it plays in shaping our products and our world.