Counter-intuitive opinion, but I have seen designers rush to adopt the latest UI/ UX without understanding the persona of user. At WizCommerce, our audience is typically 40+ age bracket, but most designers we interview would create flashy designs, add animations that our users mostly find distracting.

Clear Objectives Well-defined goals: Clearly define what you want to learn from the usability test. Is it task efficiency, error rates, user satisfaction, or something else? Measurable Metrics: Set specific, measurable goals for success such as task completion times, error counts, and satisfaction ratings.

When syncing with a designer’s vision, communication is key. I make sure to involve them early in the process, ask detailed questions about their goals, and review design elements regularly to avoid misalignment. Using shared tools like Figma or Adobe XD helps ensure we’re on the same page visually, and I always welcome feedback to refine the product for the best user experience.

"Unlocking the Magic of Seamless UX Design Collaboration" "Crafting a User-Centric Experience: Tips for Effective Usability Testing" "Harmonizing User Experience and Usability Testing for Exceptional Results" "Empowering Your UX Design Vision with Seamless Usability Testing" "Breaking Barriers: Fusing UX Design Vision with Effective Usability Testing"

To align with a UX designer’s vision in usability testing, collaborate early to understand design goals, review prototypes, and define clear objectives. Co-create test scenarios that focus on user tasks relevant to the design. Agree on success metrics, including both quantitative and qualitative insights. Use realistic scenarios and capture user behavior to validate assumptions. Provide feedback constructively and involve the designer in testing, through observation and post-session debriefs, to ensure findings enhance the design without compromising its intent.

I use this as a guideline more for user research, but it also applies to usability testing: The first thing I do when setting up a UX research initiative is to ask product designers (and product managers) about the decisions they need to make. That, plus their specific product and design goals, would inform the actual testing plan. I also ask the team to review testing guides, since we need to align on the key tasks to observe for the usability test, as a team. This ensures that the scope of the test would be relevant to them.

To run successful usability tests that align with the UX designer's vision, I start by having open conversations early in the process. I fully understand their design goals, user flows, and any specific areas they want feedback on. Throughout the testing phase, I communicate clearly, share key findings, and discuss how the insights align with the design intent. Regular check-ins help ensure we're on the same page and allow room for adjustments based on testing results. By fostering a collaborative relationship and respecting their vision, I can ensure that testing supports the designer's goals while staying user-focused.