Stalemate between UX and Engineering teams?

Last week, I discovered this conflict resolution technique based on the 5-minute Case structured debate technique.

Here is a fictional case study and application of the 5-3-5 Method to resolve the deadlock.

👉 Scenario:
UX and Engineering teams are at a crossroads over a new app feature. There is a stalemate.

💡 The ‘5-3-5’ Method: Hear – Understand – Agree – Commit

1️⃣ Presentation by the UX team (5 minutes)

  • Our user testing shows a 30% better engagement with this new interface……..”
  • Supporting Evidence: User Journey Maps

2️⃣ Feedback by the engineering team (3 minutes)

  • “Your design is user-friendly, but integrating these features within our current framework will be challenging……..”
  • Supporting Evidence: Challenges with the current framework

❓ How can we simplify?

3️⃣ Presentation by the UX team (5 minutes)

  • “Considering your concerns, we have modified these elements to align better with our technical constraints……”
  • Supporting Evidence: Revised User Journey Maps

The UX team better understood technical limitations, while Engineers saw the value in user-centric design. The team achieved a balance of user-friendly and technically feasible features.

⏩ Actionable Takeaways

  1. Facilitate structured debates to balance different team perspectives.
  2. Promote empathetic feedback to foster mutual understanding.
  3. Lead the understanding of ideas into viable, innovative solutions.

How do you navigate conflicts between different teams? Could the ‘5-3-5’ Method enhance your team’s collaboration?

#DecisionMaking #ProductDesign #ProductManagement #ProductManager
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