A stakeholder is ignoring usability test results that clash with their views. How do you handle this?
When a stakeholder ignores usability test results that don't align with their views, it can be challenging to bridge the gap. You can effectively address this by focusing on communication and evidence.
What strategies have you found effective in similar situations? Share your insights.
A stakeholder is ignoring usability test results that clash with their views. How do you handle this?
When a stakeholder ignores usability test results that don't align with their views, it can be challenging to bridge the gap. You can effectively address this by focusing on communication and evidence.
What strategies have you found effective in similar situations? Share your insights.
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We need to understand why stakeholders are ignoring. Is it because they feel the results are from sample set of user who essentially don't represent the whole, is it that they feel it doesn't add value to the overall roadmap, is it that they need another way of validation in addition to the results. If we know the reason and we have any other strong value proposition which proves the impact on business due to ignoring the results then no stakeholder will say no. End of the day it's all about clear communication, transperant and convincing insights. Finally a value driven results matter to the organisation.
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Maturity is understanding that you may not always be able to push the envelope or convince stakeholders. Sometimes, your job is to make a compelling case regardless and indemnify yourself of the decision. In this case, use analytics and business metrics to create a tangible number/value around how the decision impacts business (traffic/funnel * reduction in bounce rate). Even using proxy values is alright. Present these in a succinct manner and call out the stakes. Make sure this reaches every stakeholder relevant to the problem. Often, whom you present to is just as important as what you present. Best of luck.
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When stakeholders ignore usability test results, I focus on bringing the experience closer to them. Instead of relying on charts or graphs, I show them videos of real users struggling with the issues or let them observe a session. If that’s not possible, I simulate the experience with relatable scenarios or by having them try the design themselves. This approach shifts their perspective from abstract data to tangible, real-world impact. By making the results feel personal and directly linked to user experience, stakeholders often align with the findings more easily. It’s all about connecting them to the users’ challenges.
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I believe in fostering open and constructive conversations. I start by genuinely acknowledging the stakeholder's perspective and appreciating their input. Then, I share the usability test findings in a clear and respectful way, often using visual aids or real user feedback to make the insights more relatable and meaningful. If there’s a disagreement, I suggest solutions like an A/B test or a pilot run to validate the results while addressing their concerns. My focus is always on collaboration, ensuring we make decisions that prioritize the user while also aligning with the stakeholder’s goals.
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Have an Open and Friendly Conversation, Schedule a meeting to discuss the usability test results with the stakeholder in a neutral, collaborative tone. Start by validating their perspective to build trust and understanding.Execution: Organize a workshop or discussion where team members share how usability issues affect their areas. Highlight the ripple effects, such as increased support tickets or lower customer satisfaction, that reinforce the importance of addressing usability concerns. Position the team’s input as a way to refine the solution collaboratively rather than as an argument against the stakeholder’s views. Outcome: This approach leverages collective expertise to build consensus and depersonalizes the conflict.
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