We've Never Done This Before

Key Insights

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  Trust and openness, such as Noba sharing slides early, helped break down barriers between acquiring and acquired teams.

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  Long-term knowledge of business domains inspires confidence but is challenged during acquisitions with shifting priorities.

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  Introducing UX to a product team never exposed to designers requires humility and asking basic questions to foster learning and trust.

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  The 'us versus them' mentality quickly emerges in acquisitions along lines such as location, company size, and culture, but must be actively dismantled to succeed.

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  Engaging all participants in hands-on workshops like design studios creates shared language, flattens hierarchies, and builds commitment.

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  Resistance from leadership and team members to non-traditional collaboration methods is common but can be overcome with persistence and playfulness.

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  User analytics tools can uncover unexpected behaviors that challenge team assumptions and improve product focus.

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  Regular design studios every sprint increase team alignment and empower new members to onboard faster.

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  Failing to recognize developers' pride in their design contributions can breed resentment and tension in collaboration.

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  Strong UX-product management partnerships enable strategic pivots and better outcomes during uncertain roadmaps.

Notable Quotes