A consultant’s life swings between projects and products, which can be both exciting and challenging — sometimes even traumatic if not managed properly
Over the past couple of decades, I’ve been involved in some outstanding projects that I’m truly proud of, as well as some challenging and infamous ones that were less fulfilling. However, the learning experiences from both have been immense.
Here are 10 red flags (from my experience) to watch for in your current UX design project that indicate it might be time to change your approach. I’d also love to hear about any red flags you’ve identified in your past and present experiences.
1. Analysis Paralysis
Watch for endless feedback loops and recurring comment threads in Figma or your project tracking system.
Eg. When a button changes five times only to revert to its original design, you know what’s going on!
2. Mounting UX Debt
Are you making design decisions and quick fixes based on assumptions just to meet deadlines?
When you’re forced to add that flashy interactive map that ignores the legend and colour contrast, you’re contributing to UX debt.
3. Innovation Vacuum
Is the team too focused on safe bets? Do you sense a lack of innovation?
When you’re still using an outdated feedback form or chatbot that’s been around forever, it’s a sign that it’s time to raise the innovation bar!
4. Copycat Syndrome
Is your product stuck in a catch-up game, with new features merely replicating the competition?
When your new feature always starts with a competition-based screen flow rather than a Miro brainstorming canvas, it’s time to rethink your approach!
5. Too much / No Research Data
Research is a double-edged sword. Both too much and too little can be detrimental. Find the right balance!
When you have either an overwhelming number of user interview transcripts to synthesize or haven’t conducted a single interview, you know things are going south!
6. Scope Creep
Do you often add flashy features to your design and find yourself burning out frequently?
When your product manager requests additional filters, a chat feature, and user testing within the same original 4-week timeline, that’s scope creep!
7. The Content Conundrum
Are Content Strategy, Tone of Voice, and Microcopy alien concepts to your team?
If your developers are making the final decision on KPI metric labels in the dashboard, that’s not a good sign!
8. Design-Dev Gap
Is there a growing divide between the developers and designers on your team?
Do the final mockups often fall short of matching the final product? Is HTML/CSS undervalued in your team?
9. Ignored Accessibility
Does accessibility consistently take a back seat in your team?
Are contrast-checking, ARIA labelling, and tab-index considerations part of your code/design review?
10. Red-Tape Roadblock
Is obtaining design sign-off a tedious task for your team? Do stakeholders take too long to approve a design approach?
Which red flags are at the top of your mind ?
10 Red Flags to watch out for in your current UX project was originally published in Bootcamp on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.