[IxDA Discuss] design by committee??

[Cindy Alvarez]

On 7/21/06, Dave Cronin <dave at cooper.com> wrote:
>
> [Please voluntarily trim replies to include only relevant quoted
> material.]
>
> Not to get overly philosophical, but the way I see it, there are 3 kinds
> of authority in the world: by force (either physical or by threat of
> action like firing); by fiat (programmers often have authority by fiat
> because the have to build it); or by moral authority (people want to do
> what you're suggesting because you've convinced them that it's right).
>
> My experience is that this last one is ideal for making product design
> and defintion decisions.


Exactly!  So the real question is, how does one earn moral authority?

- Be passionate about your project.   It's hard to resist.

- Don't be defensive.  Some input IS designed to undermine you rather than
towards making a good project, but you're always better off assuming the
best intentions from others.
"Why did you do THAT?  I was expecting THIS."
"It meets project goals X and Y and has advantage Q - if there are other
concerns or product goals, let's sit down and discuss them offline"

- Be open with your reasons.  I've worked with a lot of designers who keep
their decisions veiled in mystery, and it makes other stakeholders feel like
they can't provide input (or makes them wonder if this person really is
competent)

- Be willing to change your mind with good reason. (or, "strong opinions,
weakly held")
New information or changed project goals *should* be changing design - it's
not admitting weakness to say "I've revised these screens based on results
from our usability testing / Jen's new product goal / our new deadlines"

- Take some time before responding.  When people blurt out ideas or
comments, I usually say "let me think about that" - then write it down -
then get back to them later.
"Hey, remember your comment earlier about the registration process?  I think
this is why it will/won't work better..."    This takes a lot of time, but
you know what?  After a while, people start making BETTER SUGGESTIONS.

Obviously, proven success with past designs doesn't hurt.  But it also
doesn't seem to earn moral authority in the same way that "wow, this person
really wants to produce the best solution and is willing to adapt and listen
to others and work hard to make it so" does.

Cindy