There’s a practice in software development called peer programming, where two developers partner with each other to code a particular project. It allows for each developer to play to his or her strengths and to “cross-train” with a colleague. In the projects I’ve worked in that applied such an approach I’ve seen this work quite well… And a conversation I had with a colleague last week made me realize that the same practice would add value to user experience design.
This realization was along time coming, and one that comes as I have reached a certain maturity in my profession and my abilities. When I was younger I thought I was a Superman, that I needed no help, that I could solve all design problems by myself. Time has shown me the error in such an approach, and some of my best work has come in partnership with other designers. In fact, I’ve begun to realize that success in any creative endeavor needs open collaboration… An artist needs critics and partners to make the good work better.
Here’s the aspects of peer designing that are noteworthy (in addition to the points stated above):
Collaboration. The obvious point, and the one typified by the cliche “Two heads are better than one.” Collaborating on a design problem or in a design space allows for two (potentially dramatically) different approaches to be discussed and defined. You have someone who responds to you and vice versa.
“Explain your design.” By having a design partner you have to continuously explain the design rationale behind the decisions you have made, which provides useful “practice” when the time comes that these designs need to be presented to stakeholders.
You are not alone. Designing in isolation is sometimes a very lonely situation, and having another person in the thick of things provides an unmeasurable amount of comfort, especially if there is a tight deadline. It helps.
An opportunity for mentorship. Peering senior design professionals with junior designers allows for an excellent opportunity for mentorship and cross-training. I note the latter because, unlike old dogs, senior designers should still be open to new ideas and techniques from (often younger) junior designers.
So, if you are working on a UX design project or planning one, think about structuring your team in pairs. It has many notable aspects, and it may result in a superior design solution. It has when I did it.