In the cosmos of product development, the term ’empathy’ often orbits the user. After all, it’s the user who decides whether what we’ve built is useful or not. But as I ventured deeper into the product universe, I discovered crucial reasons to shine the light of empathy on more than just users.
It makes sense to me that the UX department be the easiest group of people in the company to work with. After all, just how ‘friendly’ can a product really be if its creators aren’t even friendly themselves? Before we reach the users, we are ourselves act as an interface to our colleagues. I think being an efficient part of the solution starts with becoming familiar with their problems, their likes and dislikes, and their challenges and motivations.
Conway’s law proposes organizations output solutions that mirror their own internal communication structure. Similarly, I believe if we want our output to be easy, efficient, and enjoyable, we must first exhibit and employ these qualities ourselves. This starts with those we work closest with. In this article, we’ll focus on developers.
Why Empathize with Developers?
- Interdependence: A product’s journey from conception to realization involves many hands. While designers bring the vision, developers translate that vision into a functional reality. Recognizing this symbiosis enriches collaboration.
- Complexity: The beauty of a simplified user flow can mask the intricate coding and technical challenges that lie beneath. It’s crucial to understand that simplifying a user experience might involve complex development tasks.
- Feedback Loop: Developers often bring practical insights to design ideas. Their feedback can be invaluable in assessing feasibility and streamlining implementation.
How to Cultivate Empathy for Developers
- Collaborate Early and Often: Bring developers into design discussions early. This proactive inclusion can bridge knowledge gaps and cultivate mutual respect.
- Understand Technical Constraints: Dive into the basics of development relevant to your product. A rudimentary understanding can demystify the ‘why’ behind certain development constraints.
- Open Channels of Communication: Establish a system where developers can easily communicate roadblocks, offer alternative solutions, or share insights.
- Value Their Time: Just as UX research may involve hours of user interviews, coding involves hours of problem-solving, testing, and refining. Respecting timelines and avoiding last-minute changes can go a long way.
- Celebrate Shared Wins: Every successfully launched feature is a testament to the designer-developer collaboration. Celebrate these milestones together, recognizing each team’s contribution.
The Power of Mutual Respect
As we aim for products that deliver unparalleled user experiences, it’s vital to remember the backstage heroes – the developers. By fostering a culture of empathy and mutual respect, we not only enhance collaboration but also create solutions that are both beautifully designed and brilliantly executed.
