How to Estimate UX

Have you ever been asked to do design work in an unrealistic timeframe?

I’d be surprised if 100% of the designers reading this didn’t answer with a resounding “yes.” This scenario always puts us in a difficult spot: we want to be helpful, but we also don’t want to compromise design quality.

Properly estimating the design time needed for any UX effort can be a significant asset to your team. If you’re not currently doing it you should seriously consider so, because implementing this practice into your process can make a lasting impact on your team’s effectiveness.

Why?

Estimating helps increase productivity because it empowers your team to:

• Communicate design team needs with data rather than guesses

• Set project team expectations on UX deliverables

• Build in time for user research and other design activities

• Set realistic timelines that are more achievable

Ultimately, estimating is a tool that can help ensure project success, while saving you and your team from working nights and weekends.