5 tips for project success when working with a UX design company.

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Whenever multiple teams are involved in an agritech project, synergy and collaboration are crucial to a successful outcome and a productive partnership.

Easier said than done, collaboration can pose challenges, especially in complex projects, such as developing new software or a digital solution. There are various components to consider, and it will require input and feedback from all teams to move the project forward efficiently and effectively.

When partnering up with a UX design company, ensure communication standards are set from the start, and there is a mutual understanding of the process between the two parties. This avoids the need to fix issues down the line that were not identified in the early stages. 

With this in mind, the design work will be of greater quality, your product will perform better for your users, and you will save time and costs overall. So, to ensure your next project is a success and a positive experience, here are our five top rules for teaming up with a UX design company. 

1. Designate a single point of contact in your company.

Deciding on a single point of contact from your organisation is crucial before partnering up with a UX design company. Assign someone who can effectively relay and source vital information from various parties within your company. This person should have a good grasp of the design project and possesses the project management skills to communicate clearly between teams. 

This is a pivotal role in keeping the project progressing smoothly. Proceeding without a clear point of contact leads to confusion, lack of communication and unproductivity. As a result, this will drain your resources and generate frustration for everyone involved.

2. Define your stakeholders and include them in the process from the start.

Including stakeholders from the beginning of the UX process means they are always involved in the project direction. This removes the risk of a project having to change course due to key decision-makers not being involved from the beginning. Implementing significant changes once there's been a lot of investment in the product or digital solution will result in lost time and costs.

A successful outcome also derives from having a shared definition of success. Stakeholders need to help define this. For example, the success criteria could be a % increase in user sign-ups or a % decrease in support tickets. Whatever it looks like, communicating this to your UX partners will help them define a roadmap that will align with your business goals.

3. Dedicate time in your calendar for critique and collaborative sessions.

Incredible results happen when teams work together towards an aligned vision. Therefore, a fundamental part of the design process is to make time to give feedback so you can receive the outcome you desire.

The initial concepts from UX designers won't be the final masterpiece as the aim is to receive constructive feedback that we can put towards the next iteration.

The sooner an idea or concept can be presented, the sooner the conversation can start around what is or isn't needed and what is or isn't working.

Feedback from stakeholders and your users will help inform the direction of your agritech UX project at each phase to ensure the optimum final output.

Without these critique sessions, it's difficult for your UX design partner to know they are heading in the right direction. Providing feedback also enables projects to move forward and avoid delayed timelines.

4. There's feedback, and there's honest feedback.

When you are giving feedback, be honest. It seems obvious, however, many people shy away from it for fear of offending the designer's feelings. Yet, constructive feedback from stakeholders and users is fundamental to the process. Challenging ideas, disproving assumptions and giving honest feedback are necessary for informing the UX direction and shaping a final solution you will be happy with.  

5. Invest in research for optimal results for your agritech product.

UX strategy applies research from both the user's and stakeholder's perspectives to unveil problems, spot solutions, and build the foundation of your product design.

This crucial process allows you to understand user needs, behaviours and motivations. While it's easy to skip the user research component, without it, you are creating a solution based on assumptions which does pose risks. Investing in research will leverage your findings with confidence for future decision-making, validate design decisions and lead to a successful user experience.

Collaborate effectively with a UX company to reach project success.

Teaming up with a UX company leads to user satisfaction and helps businesses scale. In order to reap the benefits and get the most out of the partnership, it's vital to be aware of how the process works and apply the above tips. Doing so creates a productive and successful project outcome.