This week in ux-clinic: How not to blow the big presentation
This week in the ux-clinic discussion forum– How not to blow the big presentation:
After months of careful politicking (and private ranting) about investing heavily in UX and design, I’ve been given a chance to present to our executive team. I will have 30 minutes to both make my case and propose changes to how software and web development are done at my company to a room full of big shots.
Today I woke up and realized I’m totally over my head.
I’ve never presented to an executive before and I have no idea what angle to take, how to advocate change without stepping on their toes, or how much time to spend teaching design vs. arguing for the value of design.
I’m hoping for advice and war stories of big presentations to non design folks – I have a big chance to move things forward but I need some words of wisdom from those who have done this before to pull it off.
– Shaking in my designer boots
The easiest way to answer this question is to ask another one…
“What matters to your audience?”
Executives are no different than other people. They have goals they’re trying to drive throughout the organization, and they are accountable to shareholders. What are the initiatives they have in mind this year? What are burning problems their customers (or managers) are having? How will they make their bonus this year?
You need to make design relate to their plans and problems. They’ll eat it up if you can show that it solves a problem they have, or if it will help them achieve a goal. If you relate it to their company or department strategy, it’ll help them win points with their managers or shareholders.
So, my advice is make design relevant. Explain how it will help. Will it reduce customer service costs? Will it help position the company better? Will it help with marketing? Will it help grow the number of customers? Will it make the product more competitive? Will it help them sell more? Will it make them look good?
But be warned – if you follow this course, you’ll need to be ready to back up your arguments and beliefs.