Designers often default to the standard norm of interfacing with the usual suspects for project intel: product managers, project managers, users, developer/architecture leads, and design leads. This limits the thinking and solution to just the product level. This is fine, but breaking outside of this box and engaging with other associates within the company can lead to revolutionary thinking.
To ensure engagement and alignment, set 1:1's with key associates. Connecting will hep you build partnerships, collaborate, and stimulate insight and action.
In this article, I will recommend non-pod associates that can level up the thinking and process on your project.
Executive sponsor
Align your product experience to the company's mission. Collaborate on strategy, vision, and values.
What are the company's goals this quarter?
What are your personal goals this quarter?
Here's how UX will help to fulfill the company's and your goals...
Product analytics expert
Align your product experience to data analytics. Collaborate on KPIs, new metrics, and design optimizations.
What are users struggling with?
How long does it take for users to...?
Here's how UX will improve these scores and success rates...
Business analyst
Align your product experience to ROIs, finance, and B2B partnerships. Collaborate on financial goals and strategy.
What is our product revenue growth before and after our recent release?
What impacted our increase or loss in profit?
Here's how UX will increase revenue and profit...
Marketing lead
Align your product experience to your marketing and brand strategy. Collaborate on principles, story, and design.
What is our tone of voice?
Who are we targeting?
Here's how UX will reflect our marketing and brand strategy...
Sales lead
Align your product experience to sales representation and prospect needs. Collaborate on materials, knowledge transfer, and sales goals.
What are the main blockers that prevent prospects from purchasing our products?
What are the sales team's challenges when interacting with prospects?
Here's how UX will support sales and prospect needs...
Client manager
Align your product experience to client needs. Collaborate on support strategy and product requirements.
What challenges do our client face with our products?
What challenges do client managers face in interacting with our clients?
Here's how UX will support client manager and client needs...
Summary
Ensure meetings are set up methodically for project timing.
Intention is to collaborate, inform, and join forces, not to direct or dictate.
Approach each meeting with user questions on their goals and ideas.
Connect your UX to the needs of your peers/associates, company, and users.
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