How To Resolve Conflicts in UED Projects

Conflicts are inevitable in collaborative work, especially in User Experience Design (UED) projects where different perspectives collide. But talk is cheap when it comes to resolving conflict. What really matters is a structured approach that not only identifies the issues but leads to actionable solutions. Here's how you can mediate conflicts in UED projects and drive real progress.

1. Acknowledge the Conflict

The first step to resolving conflict is to acknowledge it. Pretending the issue doesn’t exist or sweeping it under the rug only allows tension to build. In UED projects, conflicts can arise from competing ideas, differing priorities, or simply from team members not feeling heard.

It's crucial to create a safe space for open discussion. Acknowledge that conflict is normal, and position it as an opportunity for the team to learn and grow. This sets a positive tone for resolution, showing that addressing the issue is a step toward progress, not an attack on individuals.

2. Use Structured Collaboration to Align on Priorities

Once the conflict is acknowledged, it’s time to bring structure to the resolution process. Structured collaboration is one of the most effective ways to get everyone aligned and moving forward. Tools like Project Scoping, Lightning Decision Jam (LDJ), or a Design Sprint Retrospective provide a framework to refocus on the project’s goals.

These methods allow all perspectives to be considered in a constructive, organized way—visually and verbally. When team members see their ideas being taken into account, they feel more involved in the process. This reduces defensiveness and opens the door to compromise and alignment. By using structured exercises, you also help the team avoid endless debates, keeping everyone focused on the shared objectives.

3. Work 'Together Alone' to Contribute Perspectives

One of the most effective ways to avoid groupthink and promote balanced input from everyone on the team is by using the "Together Alone" approach. This means having each team member work independently, but at the same time, to document their concerns, perspectives, ideas, and solutions.

The idea behind this method is to avoid unstructured discussions that can easily derail into arguments or dominance by the loudest voices. By having each person express their thoughts individually, without group pressure, you create an environment that fosters more honest and creative contributions.

This is particularly effective for introverted team members who may not feel comfortable jumping into an open debate. By having everyone contribute equally, you avoid the common enemies of innovation—groupthink, peer pressure, and unproductive discussions.

4. Feed in and Use Data and Evidence

When conflicts arise, emotions can sometimes overpower logic, especially in creative fields like UED. To keep discussions grounded, it’s essential to bring the conversation back to data and evidence. Use user research, usability testing, and data analytics to inform decisions.

Data-driven decisions are harder to argue against because they’re based on facts, not personal opinions. For example, if there’s a disagreement on which design approach to take, refer back to the user testing results to see which option performed better. This shifts the focus from personal preferences to what’s best for the user—an argument that’s difficult to refute.

5. Agree on Actionable Steps

Once you’ve aligned on priorities and the conflict is de-escalated, it’s time to take concrete action. This is where structured collaboration tools like Miro or Mural come in handy. Use these tools to visualize the next steps, assign ownership, and set timelines for each decision.

When action items are clear and documented, it reduces ambiguity and ensures accountability. Each team member knows what they need to do and by when, which helps maintain momentum and prevents the conflict from resurfacing. It’s crucial to ensure that everyone agrees on the next steps, so there’s no confusion about what needs to happen next.

6. Follow Up

The final step in resolving conflicts effectively is to follow up. After the initial resolution, check in with the team within two days, and again after a week, to ensure that the agreed-upon actions are being implemented. This follow-up is key to making sure the conflict doesn’t bubble back up or evolve into new issues.

Following up shows that you’re invested in the team’s success and that the resolution process wasn’t just a box-ticking exercise. It also gives you the opportunity to assess whether the solution is working or if adjustments need to be made.

Why This Approach Works

In UED projects, where creative ideas, user needs, and business objectives often collide, conflicts are bound to happen. But by applying a structured, methodical approach, you can turn those conflicts into opportunities for stronger collaboration and better project outcomes.

This process works because it’s not just about talking through the issues—it’s about taking deliberate, concrete steps to solve them. By using structured collaboration methods, encouraging independent input, grounding decisions in data, and maintaining clear accountability, you help the team move forward in a way that feels constructive and productive.

Key Takeaways

1. Acknowledge the conflict: Create a safe space for open discussion.
2. Use structured collaboration: Align the team through tools like LDJ or Design Sprint Retrospectives.
3. Work ‘together alone’: Encourage individual contributions to avoid groupthink and unstructured debate.
4. Rely on data and evidence: Use user data and research to drive decisions, not personal preferences.
5. Agree on actionable steps: Assign clear next steps, ownership, and timelines using visual collaboration tools.
6. Follow up: Check in regularly to ensure that the resolution sticks and progress is being made.

By focusing on structured action, not just conversation, you can mediate conflicts and turn potential setbacks into positive turning points for your UED projects.

And for step-by-step guidance on innovation practices like ‘Together Alone’ and structured collaboration, check out our Innovator’s Toolkit for tools to get started!