Summary
UX practitioners often overlook the fact that UX terms do not naturally translate into business contexts, particularly when high-stakes decision-making and unclear communication become barriers. In this session, Shan Shen will highlight instances where UX terms consistently hinder collective problem-solving between UX and product teams.
Key Insights
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Effective communication is essential for collaboration between UX and product teams.
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Using a shared, simple language can prevent confusion and misalignment in projects.
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Translation of UX terms into business language can improve understanding and decision-making.
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Misinterpretation between usability and UI polish can lead to wasted efforts and missed opportunities.
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Active listening and observing language dynamics in teams can identify gaps that require translation.
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Engaging in co-design exercises helps bridge the gap between business and UX perspectives.
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Balancing technical UX language with business language can help UX practitioners earn respect in discussions.
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Documentation of terms and their meanings can aid new team members in understanding project contexts.
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Effective language use can enhance trust and collaboration among diverse stakeholders.
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Understanding the priorities of different roles is crucial for effective teamwork.
Notable Quotes
"Language plays an imperative role in creating effective communications and alignment across disciplines."
"Translation is key to earn the seat at the table."
"Making information more easily accessible is crucial for collaboration."
"Prioritize to clarify value and relevance using language as a tool for meaningful activities."
"Translation of UX language into everyday language is not a betrayal of our field."
"There are occasions where it's necessary to insist on correct terms that are widely recognized."
"Language adds prestige to the equation while selling innovative solutions."
"Observing and identifying when we see the need for translation in our own product teams is essential."
"You should make an effort to speak the product language, as that is the business language you want to speak."
"A little more education to bridge the gap in our language goes a long way."
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