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The User Experience Team of One: A Research and Design Survival Guide
The User Experience Team of One prescribes a range of approaches that have big impact and take less time and fewer resources than the standard lineup of UX deliverables. Whether you want to cross over into user experience or you're a seasoned practitioner trying to drag your organization forward, this book gives you tools and insight for doing more with less.
264 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
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6,245 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
December 21, 2013
Review copy provided by O'Reilly Press
There are plenty of books on user experience, heck there are probably 5 more being written right now. So why should you read Leah Buley's "The User Experience Team of One?" Not only is this a well written book, but Leah also fills a current void in the UX literature, which is some of the challenges that someone might face trying to start a UX program at their POW. Leah not only answers addresses this challenge, but also provides a solid framework of how to construct a plan, gain support from your colleagues, and how to show management that this is a worthwhile pursuit.
This book is dived up into two primary sections: philosophy and practice. The philosophy section is relatively short and provides a solid foundation for those just beginning to work with UX. This section walks us through the history of UX (tracing it back to the 18th century), the theory and philosophy of UX, and how to grow your career within the UX field.
The primary bulk of the book however, is devoted to putting UX into practice. Leah walks through some basic tools of the UX trade. While none of them are covered in depth, it does give a good basic understanding of how a tool works, such as the different types of surveys that might be conducted. What is even more important to me however, is that Leah doesn't just focus on UX as being a webdesign only tool. Instead she offers tips and advice that can be used for any project, including redesigning an office space or even just the layout of computers. She also offers good practical advice on how to administer these tips and tricks remotely, which is important if you're part of a larger company or offering your services to clients in different states.
As I mentioned above, Leah offers good advice on how to get buy in from the rest of the organization, which is often the biggest challenge in the UX world. She offers great advice on how to explain UX and immerse folks in the process from the beginning to help build support.
If you're interested in UX or already involved in the field, this is a good resource to have handy. While some of what's offered might be old hat to seasoned professionals, I'm willing to bet that Leah offers some new ideas to put into practice. I give the book 4 out of 5 stars, and it definitely has a place on my shelf.
There are plenty of books on user experience, heck there are probably 5 more being written right now. So why should you read Leah Buley's "The User Experience Team of One?" Not only is this a well written book, but Leah also fills a current void in the UX literature, which is some of the challenges that someone might face trying to start a UX program at their POW. Leah not only answers addresses this challenge, but also provides a solid framework of how to construct a plan, gain support from your colleagues, and how to show management that this is a worthwhile pursuit.
This book is dived up into two primary sections: philosophy and practice. The philosophy section is relatively short and provides a solid foundation for those just beginning to work with UX. This section walks us through the history of UX (tracing it back to the 18th century), the theory and philosophy of UX, and how to grow your career within the UX field.
The primary bulk of the book however, is devoted to putting UX into practice. Leah walks through some basic tools of the UX trade. While none of them are covered in depth, it does give a good basic understanding of how a tool works, such as the different types of surveys that might be conducted. What is even more important to me however, is that Leah doesn't just focus on UX as being a webdesign only tool. Instead she offers tips and advice that can be used for any project, including redesigning an office space or even just the layout of computers. She also offers good practical advice on how to administer these tips and tricks remotely, which is important if you're part of a larger company or offering your services to clients in different states.
As I mentioned above, Leah offers good advice on how to get buy in from the rest of the organization, which is often the biggest challenge in the UX world. She offers great advice on how to explain UX and immerse folks in the process from the beginning to help build support.
If you're interested in UX or already involved in the field, this is a good resource to have handy. While some of what's offered might be old hat to seasoned professionals, I'm willing to bet that Leah offers some new ideas to put into practice. I give the book 4 out of 5 stars, and it definitely has a place on my shelf.
September 11, 2016
Five of the ten chapters of this book are largely theoretical and aimed at people who don't know much about UX design. I didn't find these to be particularly useful.
The remaining chapters contain a mix of lightweight, collaborative methods aimed at getting the wider development team involved in UX design. In some cases, these methods were patently obvious (e.g. wireframes; did you know you can review wireframes with your team?), but in others they were useful outlines of quick ways to increase stakeholder involvement. For example, a "black hat session" is something I've heard of, but never used, and this book provides the key things I need to know to try one out. I'm also interested in using a physical sketchboard as a way of soliciting feedback about many variations of ideas along a flow. (Each method summary provides just enough information to get up and running: when to use it, how long it takes, overall steps to using it, and a few tips for making it successful.)
The remaining chapters contain a mix of lightweight, collaborative methods aimed at getting the wider development team involved in UX design. In some cases, these methods were patently obvious (e.g. wireframes; did you know you can review wireframes with your team?), but in others they were useful outlines of quick ways to increase stakeholder involvement. For example, a "black hat session" is something I've heard of, but never used, and this book provides the key things I need to know to try one out. I'm also interested in using a physical sketchboard as a way of soliciting feedback about many variations of ideas along a flow. (Each method summary provides just enough information to get up and running: when to use it, how long it takes, overall steps to using it, and a few tips for making it successful.)
Read
April 6, 2015A great handbook for the lone UXer
Leah has written what equates to a UX survival guide in The User Experience Team of One. Being in this position at my current place of employment, this book has empowered me to go forth and do more with what I have. This book is perfect for lone UXers and those who are just thinking of getting into the user experience field. Buy the ebook version so you'll always have an easily searchable copy. Buy the physical version because the Rosenfeld books are gorgeous.
Leah has written what equates to a UX survival guide in The User Experience Team of One. Being in this position at my current place of employment, this book has empowered me to go forth and do more with what I have. This book is perfect for lone UXers and those who are just thinking of getting into the user experience field. Buy the ebook version so you'll always have an easily searchable copy. Buy the physical version because the Rosenfeld books are gorgeous.
January 6, 2020
A very practical book! It isn't the most informative in terms of concept and theory but is helpful in providing methods and techniques to implement at different stages of projects. A useful guide when you don't know when/where to start something.
July 12, 2014
One of the best UX primers I've read, and well-targeted at the wide market of people who have to do a little UX or go it alone. It does a good job of getting out of the "by-UX for-UX" echo chamber. Too bad it seems to be out of print - the digital version is still available, of course, but it makes it harder for me to recommend it to my students.
September 24, 2017
This is really a very practical no-nonsense guide for sole UI/UX designers in a corporation! The best for me were the possible ways that I can get feedback on my work without having to spend too much time and energy.
May 30, 2021
It's refreshing to read a UX book that considers organizational constraints around UX work. Not every organization is ready to invest in UX, that's the hard truth, and this book acknowledges that.
I really enjoyed the use of frameworks with creative twists to get around these constraints. It's encouraging to read advice and know that there's a good chance you can still apply it.
I really enjoyed the use of frameworks with creative twists to get around these constraints. It's encouraging to read advice and know that there's a good chance you can still apply it.
February 24, 2025
read this one for work, there’s some good info in here about ux design. i thought the user testing methods were the most helpful and was able to see how they could relate to the project in on right now. looking for something more design-y to read next though!
March 10, 2021
Overall, this is helpful and insight reference. It was written from someone who has clearly learned to excel in the role of doing UX solo. I could see it as essential reading for all senior UXers since most arrive at an organization without much support.
The most useful part for me was Chapter 5 about "Planning and Discovery Methods" because of the details provided on getting strategic questions answered. Everything else was still a good refresher. Would recommend to anyone who has been working as an intermediate level UX designer or higher.
The most useful part for me was Chapter 5 about "Planning and Discovery Methods" because of the details provided on getting strategic questions answered. Everything else was still a good refresher. Would recommend to anyone who has been working as an intermediate level UX designer or higher.
November 14, 2022
Dieses Buch hätte ich am Anfang meiner Karriere lesen sollen. Jetzt ist es „nur noch� ein Buchtipp.
Für Leute, die schon ein paar Jahre als UX Designer arbeiten, ist es ein gutes Nachschlagewerk. Ich habe mir sogar ein paar Stellen markiert, die bekannte Methoden besser erklärt haben.
Für Leute, die schon ein paar Jahre als UX Designer arbeiten, ist es ein gutes Nachschlagewerk. Ich habe mir sogar ein paar Stellen markiert, die bekannte Methoden besser erklärt haben.
January 27, 2018
I started reading this book when we were a small team of product managers and product designers in the job. Often finding myself stuck in how to go on about a problem, and seeing that product designers were always full of work, I wanted to learn some more specific things about UX that I could apply myself to help move forward things without waiting for someone who already knew how to do it. Doing research, sketching ideas, presenting results.
Suddenly the team around me started growing really fast, and very talented people were coming in to tackle the problems faster than it would have taken me to learn the best techniques to do it myself, so I abandoned it temporarily and focused on learning on the job, from real practice.
I am glad I came back to the book. While I don't have the same urgency I did when I first chose it, I discovered the book is like a small treasure (or cheat sheet) that comprises a ton of practical techniques to do UX work, from problem definition, to delivering results. When I finished it, I immediately found myself applying at least three of the techniques, giving some of my work more meaning and structure than it had before I knew about them.
I am not a team of one. In fact, I think I am part of a privileged group that gets to work with people who have very clearly defined roles inside of the different areas that entail product (researchers, designers, data analysts). But I still benefited a lot from this publication. If you're starting in product management or UX design, it will be really useful to get an overview and tips of how to go about certain things. If you're experienced in this area, it can be a good way of getting an overview of big part of what your job entails and perhaps refresh some of the areas or skills you might have unintentionally let to rust or gather dust.
Suddenly the team around me started growing really fast, and very talented people were coming in to tackle the problems faster than it would have taken me to learn the best techniques to do it myself, so I abandoned it temporarily and focused on learning on the job, from real practice.
I am glad I came back to the book. While I don't have the same urgency I did when I first chose it, I discovered the book is like a small treasure (or cheat sheet) that comprises a ton of practical techniques to do UX work, from problem definition, to delivering results. When I finished it, I immediately found myself applying at least three of the techniques, giving some of my work more meaning and structure than it had before I knew about them.
I am not a team of one. In fact, I think I am part of a privileged group that gets to work with people who have very clearly defined roles inside of the different areas that entail product (researchers, designers, data analysts). But I still benefited a lot from this publication. If you're starting in product management or UX design, it will be really useful to get an overview and tips of how to go about certain things. If you're experienced in this area, it can be a good way of getting an overview of big part of what your job entails and perhaps refresh some of the areas or skills you might have unintentionally let to rust or gather dust.
June 3, 2014
This book presents a very structured and stylized approach to web design with an entire focus on the user experience. It's also a sort of hand-guide on how to deal with setting up the "UX" strategies it endorses and how to operate as a single man driving force for those same strategies.
The book rightly assumes that many web designers and professionals who find themselves suddenly behind the wheel of a design team in charge of web development, are often clueless about how to go about structuring their decisions and plans for the website.
The author advocates UX as the best and really only choice moving forward. In this regard it comes on a bit strong. The overtone doesn't come across as helpful and suggestive, but demanding and imperative. There is NO other way but UX. Convert to UX. Teach others about UX. Get other people to believe in UX.
It feels a touch like the ramblings of a zealot.
It does paint a clear picture despite it's adamant presentation and the picture reveals a clear path to follow for one who chooses to use these tools to their advantage. There are a lot of knowledge pebbles lying along that path which could be snatched up and used by people who don't totally buy into the full on immersion, but it's up to the reader to figure out how they can use them as the book doesn't give the best advice on how to only partially apply the tactics.
The book rightly assumes that many web designers and professionals who find themselves suddenly behind the wheel of a design team in charge of web development, are often clueless about how to go about structuring their decisions and plans for the website.
The author advocates UX as the best and really only choice moving forward. In this regard it comes on a bit strong. The overtone doesn't come across as helpful and suggestive, but demanding and imperative. There is NO other way but UX. Convert to UX. Teach others about UX. Get other people to believe in UX.
It feels a touch like the ramblings of a zealot.
It does paint a clear picture despite it's adamant presentation and the picture reveals a clear path to follow for one who chooses to use these tools to their advantage. There are a lot of knowledge pebbles lying along that path which could be snatched up and used by people who don't totally buy into the full on immersion, but it's up to the reader to figure out how they can use them as the book doesn't give the best advice on how to only partially apply the tactics.
April 21, 2023
The core audience for User Experience Team of One is "people who are already working on product teams in another role but are interested in transitioning into the field of UX…[and] more experienced practitioners who are seeking ways to work more effectively within a cross-functional team".
Part 1 of the book covers the basics - UX101, understanding the UX process, building support for your work, growing yourself and your career. Part 2 is the meat of the book. It focusses on practice - planning and discovery methods; research methods; design methods; testing and validation methods; evangelism methods.
I don't fall into either category for Buley's core audience but I nonetheless found the book a useful read on several fronts.
First, it's an accessibly written primer for UX. Even if you're not a UX practitioner (and don't intend to become one), reading this book gives you a better appreciation of what UX entails and can set you up to have better conversations with UX practitioners in your organisation. It gives you another lens with which to assess your product or service. I found it really helpful how Buley lay out multiple methods to go about different aspects of UX practice, with a rough estimate of how long each method might take.
Second, many of the methods Buley describes in Part 2 of the book could be applied to other kinds of work. For instance, the methods described for planning and discovery methods could be applied to any kind of project where you are trying to set yourself up for a successful engagement. It would be useful for any project to ask who is responsible for the project, who is in charge; what are the 3-5 project goals; who is the target audience, describe them in detail and their primary motivations; what is the value proposition of the product and success measures; the risks [UX Questionnaire]. It would be useful when working on a new project to talk to colleagues and learn what matters to them, in order to help you identify where there are opportunities and problems to solve, and where your approaches (in this case UX practices) could be helpful [Listening Tour]. Or writing a one-page project brief to summarise the overall plan for a project to create an opportunity to align stakeholders on the project (or at least create the opportunity to have a conversation about misaligned areas). I also liked Buley's suggestion of designing an Opportunity Workshop to assess what needs to be done to improve the user experience, the highest priority from a business perspective and what would have the most impact from a user perspective.
The chapter on research methods breaks down different approaches to uncover new insights which, again, can be applied to non UX type work. Might a learning plan that maps out what we know and need to learn about different demographic groups help policymakers sharpen their policy options? The learning plan also challenges one to think about how to get the data to address the areas we need to learn more about users - beyond the usual surveys and focus group discussions, might we use call centre transcripts, search analytics, for instance? Might using proto-personas (which are less scientific and rigorous than traditional personas, being based on whatever insights you have including second hand research) help policymakers develop a more human-centred approach to policymaking?
The chapter on design methods lists approaches like a design brief, laying out design principles (how you want users to experience your product, the kind of personality the product will have), visualising the product via sketching, sketchboards, task flows and wireframes. Policymakers don't do enough visualisation, relying mainly on words to describe new services, processes and workflows. Why not visualise them instead?
On testing and validation methods, Buley describes methods such as paper and interactive prototypes, organising a Black Hat session (where people put on their critical black hat - re: Edward de Bono - to provide negative feedback, concerns and criticism), having a quick-and-dirty usability test or deploying the "five second test" (exposing the user to a screen or moment in a product for 5 seconds and asking what they recall of it, what they thought the purpose of the page was).
On evangelism methods and building support for UX work, the approaches Buley lays out can be applied to any change management process. Focus on building relationships (and hence alignment and support) rather than on process. Relationships help nudge people to participate and support the processes you want to put in place. Have one-page mini case studies that share stories of what worked. Engage in "pyramid evangelism", where you connect with people at every level of the organisational pyramid to build supporters at all levels.
I also appreciated how User Experience Team of One made UX seem doable, even if one was resource constrained. Limited time to do planning and discovery? Then focus on the listening tour because it will surface others' ideas for the product, their mental models and moreover can give you valuable info on team dynamics. Limited time to do user research? Then try guerilla user research where you go out and talk to users, even if it's just two or three. Want bang for your buck for design? Then focus on sketchboards as they help get people involved and engaged, making the design process more inclusive and exploratory. Organise a black hat session if you need a fast and blunt way to figure out what isn't working and needs adjusting. Focus on pyramid evangelism, even if you have to limit the scale of your efforts, to help build a foundation for your work in the future.
Part 1 of the book covers the basics - UX101, understanding the UX process, building support for your work, growing yourself and your career. Part 2 is the meat of the book. It focusses on practice - planning and discovery methods; research methods; design methods; testing and validation methods; evangelism methods.
I don't fall into either category for Buley's core audience but I nonetheless found the book a useful read on several fronts.
First, it's an accessibly written primer for UX. Even if you're not a UX practitioner (and don't intend to become one), reading this book gives you a better appreciation of what UX entails and can set you up to have better conversations with UX practitioners in your organisation. It gives you another lens with which to assess your product or service. I found it really helpful how Buley lay out multiple methods to go about different aspects of UX practice, with a rough estimate of how long each method might take.
Second, many of the methods Buley describes in Part 2 of the book could be applied to other kinds of work. For instance, the methods described for planning and discovery methods could be applied to any kind of project where you are trying to set yourself up for a successful engagement. It would be useful for any project to ask who is responsible for the project, who is in charge; what are the 3-5 project goals; who is the target audience, describe them in detail and their primary motivations; what is the value proposition of the product and success measures; the risks [UX Questionnaire]. It would be useful when working on a new project to talk to colleagues and learn what matters to them, in order to help you identify where there are opportunities and problems to solve, and where your approaches (in this case UX practices) could be helpful [Listening Tour]. Or writing a one-page project brief to summarise the overall plan for a project to create an opportunity to align stakeholders on the project (or at least create the opportunity to have a conversation about misaligned areas). I also liked Buley's suggestion of designing an Opportunity Workshop to assess what needs to be done to improve the user experience, the highest priority from a business perspective and what would have the most impact from a user perspective.
The chapter on research methods breaks down different approaches to uncover new insights which, again, can be applied to non UX type work. Might a learning plan that maps out what we know and need to learn about different demographic groups help policymakers sharpen their policy options? The learning plan also challenges one to think about how to get the data to address the areas we need to learn more about users - beyond the usual surveys and focus group discussions, might we use call centre transcripts, search analytics, for instance? Might using proto-personas (which are less scientific and rigorous than traditional personas, being based on whatever insights you have including second hand research) help policymakers develop a more human-centred approach to policymaking?
The chapter on design methods lists approaches like a design brief, laying out design principles (how you want users to experience your product, the kind of personality the product will have), visualising the product via sketching, sketchboards, task flows and wireframes. Policymakers don't do enough visualisation, relying mainly on words to describe new services, processes and workflows. Why not visualise them instead?
On testing and validation methods, Buley describes methods such as paper and interactive prototypes, organising a Black Hat session (where people put on their critical black hat - re: Edward de Bono - to provide negative feedback, concerns and criticism), having a quick-and-dirty usability test or deploying the "five second test" (exposing the user to a screen or moment in a product for 5 seconds and asking what they recall of it, what they thought the purpose of the page was).
On evangelism methods and building support for UX work, the approaches Buley lays out can be applied to any change management process. Focus on building relationships (and hence alignment and support) rather than on process. Relationships help nudge people to participate and support the processes you want to put in place. Have one-page mini case studies that share stories of what worked. Engage in "pyramid evangelism", where you connect with people at every level of the organisational pyramid to build supporters at all levels.
I also appreciated how User Experience Team of One made UX seem doable, even if one was resource constrained. Limited time to do planning and discovery? Then focus on the listening tour because it will surface others' ideas for the product, their mental models and moreover can give you valuable info on team dynamics. Limited time to do user research? Then try guerilla user research where you go out and talk to users, even if it's just two or three. Want bang for your buck for design? Then focus on sketchboards as they help get people involved and engaged, making the design process more inclusive and exploratory. Organise a black hat session if you need a fast and blunt way to figure out what isn't working and needs adjusting. Focus on pyramid evangelism, even if you have to limit the scale of your efforts, to help build a foundation for your work in the future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2015
This is a book with a lot information about how to implement UX when there is just one UX designer in a company. The book was well-structure and has a clear introduction of many UX methods. I think some of them are quite useful and are able to make an individual more clear of what to do under various circumstances. You may also use it as a reference book, if necessary.
April 24, 2020
Short and to-the-point introductory read for UX design. I wanted to review this book as a possible recommendation for design students and was not disappointed. If you’re at all experienced in UX design you’ll find the book to be a light read of familiar or even habitual information and processes. But if you’re inexperienced in the world of product design, this can be a great introduction.
June 29, 2021
First half has amazing approaches to adding UX value into your workplace where you dont have the scope to implement a full human centered approach. A great read for all designers for surviving and finding a framework to work into your process and guide you.
August 28, 2014
I don't like this book, It just tells you methods without any path or direction. It's a UX Methos reference
June 21, 2018
A great book full of ideas to use in User Experience work.
Read
July 18, 2014Reads a bit like an intro to UX textbook but has some good figures worth reviewing.
December 10, 2024
*testing is part of planning. time spent planning is lower cost than later.
*think slow (test, preparation), act fast
*make product continuously monitored and improved upon («Ìýsustainment phaseÌý»). if not usability test prior to development, do after launch through user feedback.
*A/B test extension
*lowering the barrier on «ÌýtestÌý» ir. it doesn’t have to be grand
*agile and in iteration modular (scalable) ie. have project templates where we can add/remove process parts (add testing or post-launch feedback)
—â¶Ä�
ux team of one are ppl who love users and makes sure designs get tested, business ppl’s questions are answered, design problems receive an appropriate amount of creative exploration, ux specification are implemented according to plan, product is continuously monitored and improved upon, and support for ux is growing.
order: research (metrics, interviews, heuristic/comp review, requirements), solution design (detailed specifications, usability test, task diagrams), technical build (PoC development, style guide), post build (metrics)
response to common objections «Ìýjust designÌý»: researching how experience impact product at many level, decide what feature to include, how it’s presented and how well it integrates to other touchpoints are all ux. limiting it will impact effectiveness and ux should span all major product decisions.
checklist page114. what are we missing? what should we add/drop?
listening tour to learn of other teams� awareness, priorities, and where ux fits
guerilla user research to find whats top of mind for users, how they behave and use your product. use open-ended questions ie. why, how & ask about past events and how they normally use it
heuristic research from jakob nielson for objective, expert standards
black hat session to learn what can be improved during test/validation stage, along with quick usability test to check if they can use product as intended. assume most critical, judgemental perspective to identify areas of concern together within 15min with stickies ie. anything too complicated or cumbersome ?
quick usability tests to gather insights on what they expect meeting reactions
bathroom ux to build awareness of user centered design and keep ppl interested in ux. core principles and ask all to get involved
pyramid evangelism to build relationships and opportunities for ux in organization
*think slow (test, preparation), act fast
*make product continuously monitored and improved upon («Ìýsustainment phaseÌý»). if not usability test prior to development, do after launch through user feedback.
*A/B test extension
*lowering the barrier on «ÌýtestÌý» ir. it doesn’t have to be grand
*agile and in iteration modular (scalable) ie. have project templates where we can add/remove process parts (add testing or post-launch feedback)
—â¶Ä�
ux team of one are ppl who love users and makes sure designs get tested, business ppl’s questions are answered, design problems receive an appropriate amount of creative exploration, ux specification are implemented according to plan, product is continuously monitored and improved upon, and support for ux is growing.
order: research (metrics, interviews, heuristic/comp review, requirements), solution design (detailed specifications, usability test, task diagrams), technical build (PoC development, style guide), post build (metrics)
response to common objections «Ìýjust designÌý»: researching how experience impact product at many level, decide what feature to include, how it’s presented and how well it integrates to other touchpoints are all ux. limiting it will impact effectiveness and ux should span all major product decisions.
checklist page114. what are we missing? what should we add/drop?
listening tour to learn of other teams� awareness, priorities, and where ux fits
guerilla user research to find whats top of mind for users, how they behave and use your product. use open-ended questions ie. why, how & ask about past events and how they normally use it
heuristic research from jakob nielson for objective, expert standards
black hat session to learn what can be improved during test/validation stage, along with quick usability test to check if they can use product as intended. assume most critical, judgemental perspective to identify areas of concern together within 15min with stickies ie. anything too complicated or cumbersome ?
quick usability tests to gather insights on what they expect meeting reactions
bathroom ux to build awareness of user centered design and keep ppl interested in ux. core principles and ask all to get involved
pyramid evangelism to build relationships and opportunities for ux in organization
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2018
UX, while less new than many thing, is still a field where it feels really hard to grasp the basic concepts and get a good overview of what the field has to offer. This can be incredibly frustrating for newbies getting into the field (I fall in the first category), experienced UX designers attempting to get others onboard, and UX skeptics who don't understand the value or resources needed for the field.
As someone who wanted to get a better idea of the field for a career change, I was looking for a book that would provide a comprehensive overview of the UX field, especially since many places don't have an established UX system. For me, the User Experience Team of One was exactly the resource I was looking for. It provided and overview of the field, ways to advance personally and professionally, and most important - it also talked about how to advocate within your role if you are the sole UX Designer in an organization.
The main chapters which talk about design, research, and testing methodologies among other topics, also provide helpful tips for remote workers, ways that you can bring your coworkers into the UX design process, and a "if you only do one thing" section for the time-pressed professional.
I took off one star due to the fact that the book unfortunately is very small, leading to many of the images being incredibly tiny and hard to read. It makes a nice, light book for my train ride, but hard to read in practice.
Overall, if you only do one thing when trying to get an overview of UX.... read this book.
As someone who wanted to get a better idea of the field for a career change, I was looking for a book that would provide a comprehensive overview of the UX field, especially since many places don't have an established UX system. For me, the User Experience Team of One was exactly the resource I was looking for. It provided and overview of the field, ways to advance personally and professionally, and most important - it also talked about how to advocate within your role if you are the sole UX Designer in an organization.
The main chapters which talk about design, research, and testing methodologies among other topics, also provide helpful tips for remote workers, ways that you can bring your coworkers into the UX design process, and a "if you only do one thing" section for the time-pressed professional.
I took off one star due to the fact that the book unfortunately is very small, leading to many of the images being incredibly tiny and hard to read. It makes a nice, light book for my train ride, but hard to read in practice.
Overall, if you only do one thing when trying to get an overview of UX.... read this book.
February 9, 2024
I enjoy the visuals, the language, and the organization of this book.
This book was required reading in the User Experience course I'm taking. I absolutely love the experience of using this book! Everything about it makes user experience work feel achievable for me personally.
The visuals include example images (such as a picture of someone's design sketch). This helps me so much in understanding the instructions. When I can see a visual example, I can fully understand what the author is trying to explain to me. The images also portray things in a down-to-earth way. While reading this, I felt like I could become a better UX researcher without needing expensive equipment or a more sophisticated environment.
The language is accessible to me. I'm currently in my Master's degree, so I've been encountering a lot of text that is very academic and hard to soak up. However, this book explained things clearly and concisely without going over my head. I love when textbooks are able to do that.
The chapters used a very predictable, repeated structure. This made it easy to take notes for and scan with my eyes. It also broke up the information into small pieces that were easier to understand.
This book was required reading in the User Experience course I'm taking. I absolutely love the experience of using this book! Everything about it makes user experience work feel achievable for me personally.
The visuals include example images (such as a picture of someone's design sketch). This helps me so much in understanding the instructions. When I can see a visual example, I can fully understand what the author is trying to explain to me. The images also portray things in a down-to-earth way. While reading this, I felt like I could become a better UX researcher without needing expensive equipment or a more sophisticated environment.
The language is accessible to me. I'm currently in my Master's degree, so I've been encountering a lot of text that is very academic and hard to soak up. However, this book explained things clearly and concisely without going over my head. I love when textbooks are able to do that.
The chapters used a very predictable, repeated structure. This made it easy to take notes for and scan with my eyes. It also broke up the information into small pieces that were easier to understand.
November 20, 2024
This is the third book that I've read from Rosenfeld Media, and I've realized that it's really Rosenfeld Media's consistent, well-designed formatting that makes their books so compelling. It makes sense considering that Rosenfeld publishes user experience books exclusively, it seems.
This one has a mildly inspirational bent to it. Not only does it provide a clean set of tools for general UX practice, but it comes with this sense that UX designers really have to advocate for themselves as the "Team of One." It's a job that necessitates being a constant underdog, since it's about justifying doing things well (the UX designer's job), rather than doing things sufficiently (the business's goal for hitting a bottom line). It's notably distinct from other job functions that can get away with having limited contact with others, since the UX designer's relationships to others also acts as its justification.
It feels like the UX designer is a solo protagonist that has to assemble allies, however fleeting, for a noble cause. I'm surprised that they don't get written as the protagonists of novels more often.
This one has a mildly inspirational bent to it. Not only does it provide a clean set of tools for general UX practice, but it comes with this sense that UX designers really have to advocate for themselves as the "Team of One." It's a job that necessitates being a constant underdog, since it's about justifying doing things well (the UX designer's job), rather than doing things sufficiently (the business's goal for hitting a bottom line). It's notably distinct from other job functions that can get away with having limited contact with others, since the UX designer's relationships to others also acts as its justification.
It feels like the UX designer is a solo protagonist that has to assemble allies, however fleeting, for a noble cause. I'm surprised that they don't get written as the protagonists of novels more often.
February 2, 2025
UX 101 manual:
1. Users must perceive the product valuable.
2. UX is an accumulation of many micro interactions. (interaction, visual, content, etc.)
3. Conversation should focus on outcomes not designs. Many are trying too hard to impress.
4. During discussions, draw the concepts out.
5. Actively engaged with other's view points. Repeat. Ask. Keep the dialogues going.
6. Assume good intentions from other people until proven otherwise.
7. Ask other teams how they want to engage with UX not what things should be.
8. Create informal peer to peer relationship.
9. Use sketching to guide meeting discussion.
10. Turn co-workers to allies. What makes you awake at night and what makes your life easier?
11. Turn no to maybes and better yes.
12. All buying decisions are emotional.
13. Google glass never identify its special needs, users, and how it fit in their life. Failed.
14. Rapid prototypes and test with users. Address users issues quickly without costing much.
15. Test 5 ppl, more people will show similar results. Ask open-ended questions: why and how
1. Users must perceive the product valuable.
2. UX is an accumulation of many micro interactions. (interaction, visual, content, etc.)
3. Conversation should focus on outcomes not designs. Many are trying too hard to impress.
4. During discussions, draw the concepts out.
5. Actively engaged with other's view points. Repeat. Ask. Keep the dialogues going.
6. Assume good intentions from other people until proven otherwise.
7. Ask other teams how they want to engage with UX not what things should be.
8. Create informal peer to peer relationship.
9. Use sketching to guide meeting discussion.
10. Turn co-workers to allies. What makes you awake at night and what makes your life easier?
11. Turn no to maybes and better yes.
12. All buying decisions are emotional.
13. Google glass never identify its special needs, users, and how it fit in their life. Failed.
14. Rapid prototypes and test with users. Address users issues quickly without costing much.
15. Test 5 ppl, more people will show similar results. Ask open-ended questions: why and how
August 25, 2023
Packed with quality content, This will definitely help if you are a UX team of one or a small team.
- Learned mainly about how to build support for your UX work in a company where UX is given the least priority.
- Covers all the things someone working on UX needs to know from Planning, Discovery, Research, Usability, Testing, Evangelism, Etc.,
- Have different UX methods that you can apply in different use case scenarios.
One quote from the book
"Be optimistic but also realistic"
One takeaway from the book
The basic idea of pyramid evangelism is that you make it a priority to connect to people at every level of the organizational pyramid—at the base, in the middle, and even at the top. Instead of trying to win an executive over in one presentation, build an army of supporters throughout the organization.
- Learned mainly about how to build support for your UX work in a company where UX is given the least priority.
- Covers all the things someone working on UX needs to know from Planning, Discovery, Research, Usability, Testing, Evangelism, Etc.,
- Have different UX methods that you can apply in different use case scenarios.
One quote from the book
"Be optimistic but also realistic"
One takeaway from the book
The basic idea of pyramid evangelism is that you make it a priority to connect to people at every level of the organizational pyramid—at the base, in the middle, and even at the top. Instead of trying to win an executive over in one presentation, build an army of supporters throughout the organization.
September 22, 2018
This was highly recommended for people in the same position as me. After reading the book, I can see why. The first half of this book talked about what to do in the position of being the solo UXer in the company. How to speak to people to get them onboard with better ux, how to sell ux to the stakeholders and etc. I found the first half to be very helpful.
The second half of the book talks about the different techniques used for user research, gathering requirements, etc. I found this section to be more reference material than anything else. It creates a situation where you want to keep this book around for inspiration during times of blockage. And if you ever lose sight of your ways, the first half of the book is a great reminder of what to do about it.
The second half of the book talks about the different techniques used for user research, gathering requirements, etc. I found this section to be more reference material than anything else. It creates a situation where you want to keep this book around for inspiration during times of blockage. And if you ever lose sight of your ways, the first half of the book is a great reminder of what to do about it.
June 8, 2020
Leah Buley wrote an outstanding and resourceful book on the basics of the User Experience, and how to apply if you work as a solo UX'er in your organization. I have never thought this can be a problem until I started to work as a 'UX team of one' in the bank. She writes about the main methods for discovery, research, design, and lastly- how to perform evangelism in your organization to build the right relationships for your future UX work. Totally recommend for anyone who works as a solo designer in any kind of organization, or for anyone who is just starting (or about to start) in the field of the User Experience.
May 5, 2020
Very interesting approach for getting started in the UX world! It focuses on both forming the reader with a set of pretty well defined tools, also explaining when to use them and when not to.
It can teach some methods to an experienced UX designer too, or expand their knowledge, although many of them are well known.
I love that it included a "if you are remote..." section at every tool.
Very recommended for a UX-curious professional in any field, or beginner UX designers. Moderately recommended for experienced designers, to maybe discover new tools.
It can teach some methods to an experienced UX designer too, or expand their knowledge, although many of them are well known.
I love that it included a "if you are remote..." section at every tool.
Very recommended for a UX-curious professional in any field, or beginner UX designers. Moderately recommended for experienced designers, to maybe discover new tools.
March 20, 2023
I bought this book going in to a new role as a solo senior product designer and wanted to learn some new techniques and have some guidance for my new role.
I found the book did contain some helpful advice and techniques that I‘m going to incorporate.
I didn’t realize this book was published in 2013 and with any book that includes technology of the time the tools and technology it does mention is already pretty outdated. Due to this it was a little hard to connect with at times but that aside I still found it an informative book.
I found the book did contain some helpful advice and techniques that I‘m going to incorporate.
I didn’t realize this book was published in 2013 and with any book that includes technology of the time the tools and technology it does mention is already pretty outdated. Due to this it was a little hard to connect with at times but that aside I still found it an informative book.
January 12, 2024
I appreciate this book. I like that the author shared her experience in full spectrum and made sure that the reader if they were a UX team of one to know the path for progress, execution, and to just not feel alone. I recommend reading the planning and discovery and research sections. Those were the most beneficial for me and I believe they can be beneficial for other UX teams of one. Finally, I loved the ending which showed how well the author knows to end on a positive note , just as she mentions in most of the approaches.
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