Have you ever wondered what makes some projects run smoothly while others encounter constant obstacles? After years of experience in the UX/UI industry, I've concluded that communication is the key. It binds all elements of the design process, even though it often remains invisible at first glance.

Constructive Feedback as the Foundation of Collaboration

Communication within the team among developers, business analysts, testers, and the designer should be based on constructive feedback. But what does that actually mean? Constructive feedback isn't just pointing out errors but, more importantly, proposing concrete solutions. It can be compared to the feedback sandwich.

The Feedback Sandwich – What Is It?

The feedback sandwich is a method of delivering feedback in three steps:

1. Positive – I start by highlighting what was done well. This builds trust and opens the other person up for further conversation.
2. Constructive Criticism – Then I move on to issues that need improvement, offering specific suggestions.
3. Positive – I end on a positive note, motivating further work and emphasizing potential.

By using this method, we create an atmosphere of collaboration rather than competition or defensiveness.

My Experiences with Team Communication

I've previously written about communication in my review of the book Articulating Design Decisions. There, I emphasized how important it is to clearly articulate your design decisions and listen to feedback from others.

I also wrote about how to handle criticism in the article Handling Criticism as UX/UI Designers. Criticism can be tough, but if it's constructive, it becomes a tool for growth.

The Yellow Duck and Teamwork

In one of my earlier posts, The Yellow Duck in UX/UI Design, I discussed solving problems independently by explaining them to someone (or something). However, nothing replaces real teamwork.

All these elements are interconnected. That's why I believe communication is the invisible part of the design process. It's what binds the team, and if it's of poor quality, it can kill a project.

Real-Life Example: When Communication Works

I've worked on various projects, and the most effective work was done when people were together. The manager didn't isolate me from the team. There were no situations where someone yelled at the lead developer for talking to me without his presence. We had shared daily meetings and consultation sessions regarding technical solutions.

I never asked the team how to design something but whether the technology they had at that moment allowed for this or that solution. This way, we avoided misunderstandings and could focus on a common goal.

Why Communication Is the Key to Success

1. Understanding Needs – Through open communication, I better understand the needs of the client and users.
2. Resolving Conflicts – Early detection and addressing of potential problems before they escalate into conflicts.
3. Building Trust – Transparency in communication builds trust within the team.
4. Efficiency – We avoid repeating the same mistakes and speed up the design process.

How to Improve Communication in the Team

• Regular Meetings – Daily stand-ups or weekly summaries help keep everyone on the same page.
• Openness to Feedback – I encourage sharing comments and ideas without fear of criticism.
• Clear Goals – Defining goals and expectations at the beginning of the project.
• Communication Tools – Utilizing appropriate tools like Slack, Trello, or Asana to track progress and facilitate communication.

Conclusion

Communication is like oxygen for the design process—invisible but essential for the project's life. Without it, even the best team can encounter unforeseen obstacles. Therefore, it's worth investing time and energy in building healthy communication within the team.