UX strategy
UX strategy goes beyond just designing interfaces. It's about understanding your users' needs, behaviours, and motivations to create a holistic and effective user experience across all touchpoints. A strong UX strategy ensures your product or service not only looks good but also meets business objectives and provides genuine value to your users. It's the blueprint for a successful user experience, guiding design decisions and ensuring a cohesive and user-centred approach.
What to look for in a UX strategist
When hiring a freelance UX strategist, look for a blend of analytical thinking, creative problem-solving, and excellent communication skills. A strong portfolio showcasing diverse projects and a clear understanding of user-centred design principles are crucial. Experience with user research methodologies, information architecture, and interaction design is also essential.
Main expertise areas
UX strategy encompasses various specialisations. When reviewing potential freelancers, consider your specific needs and inquire about their expertise in areas such as:
- User research (e.g., user interviews, surveys, usability testing)
- Information architecture and navigation design
- Interaction design and prototyping
- Content strategy and UX writing
- Accessibility and inclusive design
- Service design and customer journey mapping
Example applications of UX strategy
Here are some examples of how UX strategy is applied in real-world projects:
- E-commerce platform: A UX strategist might conduct user research to understand online shopping behaviours, then develop a strategy to optimise the checkout process, reducing cart abandonment and increasing conversions.
- Mobile app development: A UX strategist could create user personas and user flows to inform the app's information architecture and ensure a seamless and intuitive user experience on different devices.
- SaaS product: A UX strategist might develop a content strategy and onboarding process to help new users quickly understand the product's value and features, improving user engagement and retention.
Relevant interview questions
Here are some key questions to ask potential freelancers:
- Describe your UX strategy process. How do you approach a new project?
- Tell me about a project where you faced a challenging UX problem. How did you solve it?
- How do you stay up-to-date with the latest UX trends and best practices?
- Share an example of a project where you successfully improved a product's user experience. What metrics did you use to measure success?
- How do you collaborate with designers, developers, and other stakeholders?
Tips for shortlisting candidates
- Review portfolios carefully, paying attention to the freelancer's process and the results they achieved.
- Look for case studies that demonstrate a clear understanding of user needs and business goals.
- Check client testimonials and references to gauge their professionalism and communication skills.
Potential red flags
Be wary of freelancers who:
- Focus solely on aesthetics without considering usability
- Lack a clear UX process or methodology
- Cannot provide concrete examples of their work or measurable results
- Are unwilling to discuss their approach in detail
Typical complementary skills
UX strategy often goes hand-in-hand with skills like:
- UI design
- UX research
- Web design
- Content strategy
- Service design
Benefits of hiring a freelance UX strategist
A skilled UX strategist can help you:
- Improve user satisfaction and engagement with your product or service.
- Increase conversion rates and achieve business objectives.
- Reduce development costs by identifying usability issues early in the design process.
- Create a cohesive and consistent user experience across all platforms.
- Gain a deeper understanding of your target audience and their needs.
By investing in UX strategy, you're investing in the long-term success of your product or service. A freelance UX strategist can provide the expertise and flexibility you need to create exceptional user experiences that drive business growth.
