Managing stakeholders and observers during user testing

No. 6— How a UX Researcher can be their own Project Manager

No. 6— How a UX Researcher can be their own Project Manager

Photo by Some Tale on Unsplash

This is the sixth in my series of 7 things UX Researchers (or Project Managers) can do to keep user testing on track.

These are 7 things that SOMEONE has to do. Whether or not it’s officially your responsibility as Researcher, depends on where you work and who you have around you. Nevertheless, someone has to get it done.

It might be you.

If you don’t take ownership, or you sit around waiting for someone to give you permission to do each and every task.. well just ask yourself this — if the research fails, who’s on the hook? Hint: it’s not the PM. There you go.

If you need other reasons why this is important — here’s the explanation.

Step 6 — Managing clients & observers (or, who can de-rail my test days)

In some roles you are a solo UX Researcher, left to your own devices. In which case this article is probably not for you, as you can quietly and calmly run sessions to your own schedule.

However, at some point you will have to manage a scenario where you have observers who are:

1. Other UX people or product squad members

2. Clients or stakeholders who are funding the project

Here are some things to think about to ensure that those two groups have a great experience on test days, and don’t disrupt or even accidentally ruin your test sessions.

Let’s take them one at a time.

Photo by Swaminathan Jayaraman on Unsplash

1. Your team

Your team can be made up of other UX people, product squad team members — basically anyone who is working with you to interpret the findings and move the design project forward.

Here are some things to think about:

Where will they be observing from?

First up, what is their observer experience going to be? Where will they be observing from?

If remote, ensure the tech works in advance by running rehearsals.

If in person, make sure they have a room booked.

Just be sure no one suggests anything daft like having