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UI/UX Design: How to Talk to Users
A down-to-Earth guide on how to actually talk to your users in a positive, productive way.
Overview
When it comes to UI and UX design, talking with users, clients, stakeholders, etc. is basically a must. You typically aren’t going to get very far unless you’re willing to bite the bullet and talk with people regularly.
To that end, I have put together a down-to-Earth guide on how to actually talk to your users in a positive, productive way.
How to talk to users
#1 Relax
For folks new to this field, it can be nerve-wracking, and I completely understand your apprehension. What if you come off wrong? What if the conversation goes sideways? What if __________?
Don’t worry about it. Loosen up, deep breaths, you’re all good, and it’s gonna be fine.
#2 Be yourself
If you’re an introvert, no worries, there’s no shame in that. If you’re neurodivergent, that’s completely fine, many people in the UI/UX field are; and while projecting an aura of professionalism when talking to your users, it’s perfectly fine to be a human about it.
They’re people just like you and I, and most users want to be talked to like people, and not like subjects, so approach them like you would a work colleague: warm, kind, and respectful.
Even if you have trouble talking with people, just do your best, and I can essentially guarantee that you’re gonna be fine.
#3 Have prepared questions
Make sure before you start talking to your users that you have a list of prepared, open-ended questions that are geared towards getting you the data that you’re looking for.
