As a UX consultant, I get frustrated by clients and designers who think that user-centred research, particularly senior executive stakeholder interviews, is done simply to tick the box of, “I did some research”.

What really pains me is the comment, “Don’t worry, we’ve already done interviews with stakeholders and you don’t need to do it again”.

I always retort:

• why did you do it?
• what were you looking for?
• what did you learn?
• is it documented?

People miss the point of doing research with senior staff members of the organisation.

Of course, it’s about getting stakeholder buy in, but any one can do that.  However, any new consulting project should have some forum where the team members hear the strategic issues, for themselves. Not just the biased version from the internal project team. Consultants need to build  a picture of the organisation and identify opportunities; so that every design decision that flows from there on in meets the strategic business and personal needs of the client and, more importantly, their customers.

Also, don’t forget, doing this research also allows the stakeholders need to voice their opinion, without biasing their view because their fellow staff member is in the room.

User centred design is not about hearding cats for the sake of it. There’s a reason for every step and if you don’t know why your doing something, ask.