You need to adapt UX research for agile sprints. How do you manage stakeholder expectations?
Incorporating UX research into agile sprints can be tricky, but it's all about balancing speed with thoroughness. Here’s how to keep stakeholders in the loop:
How do you ensure effective UX research in agile environments? Share your strategies.
You need to adapt UX research for agile sprints. How do you manage stakeholder expectations?
Incorporating UX research into agile sprints can be tricky, but it's all about balancing speed with thoroughness. Here’s how to keep stakeholders in the loop:
How do you ensure effective UX research in agile environments? Share your strategies.
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Adapting UX research for agile sprints requires clear communication and strategic planning: Set Realistic Goals 🎯: Define achievable research objectives within the sprint's timeline. Showcase Incremental Value 📊: Present quick wins and insights that align with sprint deliverables. Prioritize Stakeholder Needs 💼: Collaborate to focus on research that directly impacts sprint outcomes. Leverage Lightweight Methods 🔍: Use techniques like guerrilla testing or rapid surveys to gather actionable data. Maintain Transparency 📢: Share progress regularly and explain how research informs decisions. If you find this insightful please leave a like.
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One thing I’ve found helpful is to begin each study with a “central planning document.” My document has 5 sections: 1. Background - why do we need this research? Has prior research been done on this topic? 2. Objectives - what are the main 1 to 3 things we expect to learn? Limit it to no more than 3 main objectives. 3. Hypotheses - All possible questions that stakeholders would like to have answered. A key point here is ensuring that stakeholders understand that it’s not guaranteed all of their questions will be answered if they are out of the scope of the main objective/s. 4. Decisions - which decisions will be based on the research outcomes? 5. Timeline - To set realistic expectations about deliverables
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I consider : 1.Set Clear Goals: Align research priorities with sprint objectives and maintain a prioritized research backlog. 2.Integrate with Sprints: Use small, actionable research tasks and continuous discovery methods. 3.Communicate Trade-offs: Highlight the balance between speed and depth, emphasizing iterative learning. 4.Use Lean Methods: Opt for quick techniques like guerrilla testing or remote testing, sharing lightweight reports. 5.Involve Stakeholders: Engage them in research activities and regularly share results. 6.Plan for Larger Needs: Use sprint zero, discovery sprints, or dual-track agile for complex research. 7.Educate & Show Impact: Explain agile research benefits and demonstrate outcomes with metrics.
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Run a stakeholder mapping, determine your RACI and create a communications plan. I run projects where I can have 30+ stakeholders all at once. Everyone wanting to get involved. In agile, it would be really hard to manage all people's expectations and still be able to deliver what you need per sprint. - Map your stakeholders (RACI) - Create a communications plan - Map your user pain points - Each sprint determine what you are solving and who will be involved in what.
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To adapt UX research for agile sprints and manage stakeholder expectations, emphasize the iterative nature of agile and how research fits into quick cycles. Communicate realistic timelines, focusing on delivering actionable insights within sprint constraints. Prioritize research efforts by aligning them with immediate sprint goals and high-impact areas. Involve stakeholders early by sharing research plans, goals, and progress, ensuring alignment with their needs. Use lightweight methods like rapid testing and continuous feedback to provide timely insights. Regular updates and transparency keep stakeholders informed, building trust while balancing speed and depth in research.
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