The User Council: Increasing UX Design’s ROI

Discover how the User Council revolutionizes the way businesses approach UX Design by putting users at the center of decision-making. Learn how to implement this game-changing, user-centric strategy for better ROI and happier customers.

The User Council: Increasing UX Design’s ROI
Do not index
Do not index
Read time: under 4 minutes

Why Is Advocating for Users in UX Design So Darn Hard?

You get it, and I get it—users should be the stars of the show in the world of UX Design.
But let's be real; in many boardrooms, our dear user often feels like a ghost in the room, barely getting any attention. Why?
Well, companies are often too caught up chasing the big bucks and making shareholders happy to remember that a happy user often means a happy shareholder.

Let's Talk Numbers, Shall We?

When you treat your users right, it's not just good karma; it's also good for business.
Studies, like the ones from Forrester Research, say that focusing on the user can actually pump up those ROI numbers and keep customers coming back for more.
And yet, why does it seem like UX designers have to shout from the rooftops just to keep the user in the conversation?
 

The Benefits of a User-Centric Solution in UX Design

Here's a spicy 🌶️ take: let's not just talk about users; let's actually bring them into the boardroom!
Imagine that—a board meeting where users aren't just pie charts or abstract personas, but real people who can share their joys and frustrations.
That's game-changing stuff right there, folks.
 
It turns data and metrics into real human stories, emphasizing the importance of user-centric design principles within the business framework.
 

Introducing The User Council: Your new BFF for user advocacy

Picture this: a User Council that includes real-life users of your product.
They join your team meetings, give feedback on design prototypes, and help shape the UX design process.
Basically, it's like having your own panel of judges, except they help you hit the high notes every single time.
 
🔸
For example: Adobe's "Customer Advisory Board" serves as another stellar example.
This board is comprised of actual users who meet regularly to provide the company with valuable feedback, helping Adobe create more user-centric products.
 
More actionable tips and fewer headaches: Join designers from 40+ countries using UX Playbook. Get detailed step-by-step guides and templates to supercharge your UX process.
 

Implementing a User-Centric Council in Your UX Design Process

Adopting a User Council is straightforward and can be accomplished in five steps:
  1. Recruit Volunteers: Use your platform or social media channels to invite users to join the council.
  1. Screen for Diversity: Ensure the council includes a range of users, reflecting the diversity of your audience.
  1. Onboard and Educate: Equip council members with basic UI/UX Design principles, so they can provide insightful feedback.
  1. Integrate into Meetings: Schedule regular slots for the council in your business meetings.
  1. Offer Incentives: Providing perks or rewards can keep council members engaged, reinforcing a user-centric focus.

When Democracy Comes to Design

Once you've got a User Council in place, it's hard to ignore what users want.
It's like giving them a seat at the table—literally. Your team will naturally adopt a more user-centric mindset, and that's something to cheer about.
This isn't just a win for users. When businesses start to truly understand and meet user needs, everybody wins.
Companies see better ROI and loyalty numbers, and users—well, they get products that actually make their lives better.
 

It's All About the Journey

Implementing a User Council isn't just a one-off event.
It’s a journey towards fostering an enduring user-centric culture.
This council becomes a touchstone, a constant reminder for everyone in the organisation, from the junior designer to the CEO, that the user matters.
So, even as team members come and go, the user-centric core of the business remains unshaken. It's like planting a seed of empathy that grows into a tree whose branches reach every corner of your organisation 🌱.
There you have it, folks.
A User Council isn't just a cool idea; it's a practical way to make sure users aren't just ghosts in the room but active participants in the UX Design process.
It turns out that when you actually listen to people and involve them in the decision-making, good things happen.
Who would've thought?
 

👉
Whenever you're ready, there are 4 ways I can help you:
1. Junior Designer Bundle: Transition into UX with my playbooks: breaking down portfolios, applications, and UX frameworks, to build a solid career foundation. Craft an unforgettable portfolio & get hired.
2. Senior Designer Bundle: Become a design leader with systems to build healthier, happier teams and grow you and others meaningfully. Join 500+ aspiring leaders.
3. UX Portfolio Critique: Get a 20-minute video of brutally honest feedback, a checklist of things to fix, in less than 48 hours. Get a personalised portfolio critique here.
4. Job Sprint Course: Stand out in an unpredictable job market by building a memorable personal brand and a killer job search strategy. Get hired in UX with Job Sprint.
 

Get free UX resources

Get portfolio templates, list of job boards, UX step-by-step guides, and more.

Download for FREE
Christopher Nguyen

Founder of UX Playbook

Related posts

Mastering the Art of Giving & Receiving FeedbackMastering the Art of Giving & Receiving Feedback
From Good to Great: The Art of Virtual High FivesFrom Good to Great: The Art of Virtual High Fives
The Ultimate Team Feedback Tool: Virtual Suggestion BoxThe Ultimate Team Feedback Tool: Virtual Suggestion Box
UX Focus Mastery: Pomodoro Productivity Technique For DesignersUX Focus Mastery: Pomodoro Productivity Technique For Designers
Mastering User Psychology in UX DesignMastering User Psychology in UX Design
Designing Without Data: Turning UX Constraints into CreativityDesigning Without Data: Turning UX Constraints into Creativity
The Role of Emotions in UX: A Deep Dive into Influence and BehaviourThe Role of Emotions in UX: A Deep Dive into Influence and Behaviour
Decoding UX Collaboration: Better Teamwork with Working StylesDecoding UX Collaboration: Better Teamwork with Working Styles
The UX Impact of Emojis 🤩The UX Impact of Emojis 🤩
10 Tips For Killer Inclusive UX Copy10 Tips For Killer Inclusive UX Copy
What Is Storytelling in UX Design, and Does It Really Work?What Is Storytelling in UX Design, and Does It Really Work?
10X Your UX Design Communication Skills 10X Your UX Design Communication Skills
Design for Accessibility: 7 Essential Principles for Inclusive UX DesignsDesign for Accessibility: 7 Essential Principles for Inclusive UX Designs
How Data-Driven Design is Revolutionizing UX: A Step-by-Step GuideHow Data-Driven Design is Revolutionizing UX: A Step-by-Step Guide
The Art of Stakeholder CommunicationThe Art of Stakeholder Communication
Building a Healthy Work Environment: A Guide for Design LeadersBuilding a Healthy Work Environment: A Guide for Design Leaders
Humility in UX: The Key to Unlocking Career Growth Humility in UX: The Key to Unlocking Career Growth
How to Push Back on Stakeholders and Win (Real Examples)How to Push Back on Stakeholders and Win (Real Examples)
 
 

Get unstuck in our newsletter

Actionable frameworks to level up your UX career. Read in 5 minute or less, weekly. Absolutely free.
 
 
     
    notion image
    Join over 8,000 designers and get tactics, hacks, and practical tips.