5.0 out of 5 stars As a UX instructor, I decided to make this book a required reading for my students.

M. · July 30, 2023

"Articulating Design Decisions" is an absolute gem for anyone diving into the world of UX design, and it became a superhero in my college UX class!As a UX instructor, I decided to make this book a required reading for my students, and boy, did it work wonders! The book's clear and practical approach to explaining the art of articulating design decisions resonated with my students like never before. They went from feeling uncertain about presenting their design choices to confidently articulating their ideas with grace and clarity.I remember one particular student who had always struggled with conveying the reasoning behind their design decisions. After reading the book, they transformed into a persuasive storyteller, weaving their design rationale with confidence during class presentations. It was like witnessing a blossoming flower, blooming into a true UX professional.The book's insightful tips and real-world examples made it an invaluable resource for my class. I saw a noticeable improvement in my students' ability to communicate and defend their design choices, both in class and during internships. It's like a secret weapon that elevated their UX skills and boosted their confidence as designers.If you're a UX enthusiast or a design professional looking to master the art of articulating design decisions, this book is a must-have addition to your library. It's like a mentor that empowers you to confidently express your design rationale and become a persuasive advocate for your creations. Embrace the wisdom of "Articulating Design Decisions," and watch your design journey soar to new heights!

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must-Read for Anyone Who Designs or Presents

r. · August 10, 2025

So glad I finally got a chance to read this book! Many good nuggets, but what has stuck with me the most is always saying yes as a method of inviting collaboration and understanding perspectives.

5.0 out of 5 stars Structure and Organization to an Important Soft Skill

M.B. · November 10, 2023

I was always told that my skill for communicating with stakeholders was a valuable soft skill that I should teach to others. Typically a soft skill is something that is developed over time and dependent on personality. Some say "a skill you can't teach". However, I was asked to teach those skills to those that I supervise. I struggled to put the thoughts together in the best way to teach something that came as second nature to myself. This book helps to organize the concepts behind all of the skills that make up the larger soft skill that is in such demand. It provides tools and structure for those trying to learn this skill to be able to measure their success throughout the development. Making it a valuable book for the new designer. I learned a lot of these concepts working with executives in my career, where most newer designers wouldn't have had that opportunity. So get the book! Mark it up, keep it as a reference, use the tools and you will soon find your habits second nature. You will have more success with your stakeholders as a result.

5.0 out of 5 stars Must have for designers

A.F. · October 18, 2024

Incredible book, full of learnings and tips for creatives that deals with stakeholders

4.0 out of 5 stars Helpful

C.P. · February 15, 2023

Very good information on talking with non-designers to be able to articulate the "whys" of the decisions we make. I always knew why, but having the help to articulate them in a more professional way and in terms that directly speak to stakeholders' goals is a very, VERY helpful angle. A must-have for designers, project managers, and creative directors FOR SURE.

5.0 out of 5 stars In-Depth Advice on How to Get Buy-In for Your UX

M. · December 24, 2023

I thought this book was going to be more technical that it was. Oops. I'm a software engineer who works on the server-side. UX is rarely, if ever, my concern, so I was a bit peeved at myself for buying this book and not looking carefully enough at the description.Except for the last two or three chapters, there's definitely something of value for technical folks to take from Articulating Design Decisions.Articulating Design Decisions walks us step-by-step to getting buy-in from stakeholders. How do we do that? There's a number of ways, but it often comes down to tying choices to a goal/objective, considering the user of the product, appealing to data/studies, calling in support from stakeholders who agree with you (especially if they're high up in the chain of command), pointing at branding concerns, etc. The book also gives tips on how to navigate around stakeholders without offending them or making them feel unheard. While not all of this is useful for a software engineer, a lot of it is.Software engineers have code reviews/PRs. Oftentimes, these reviews can descend into utter chaos because we engineering types tend to have Magpie Syndrome. ;) Articulating Design Decisions lays out a focused, user-driven way to discuss these reviews in a way that's productive, leaves everyone feeling heard, and puts us in the best position to put out the best product possible.So even if you're not in UX or don't work on the frontend, you might find some value in this book. Perhaps someone with lots of experience talking to the business heads won't see anything new. The rest of us? Oh yeah, this is good stuff.

5.0 out of 5 stars Memorable resource for UX designers!

K. · November 18, 2021

I know I'll keep coming back to this book again and again as I move through my career. It's an incredibly relevant and practical resource full of useful examples and templates to help designers communicate better with stakeholders. The author clearly illustrates how 'great design' is only part of the process –– the other part is gaining the necessary support of stakeholders and bringing others on board. The book highlights critical steps designers should take as they navigate meetings (from casual to formal) related to their projects. When these steps are taken, it results in stronger working relationships and trust.

An absolute must-read

L. · November 6, 2022

Having one’s design ideas critiqued during pitches - or worse, hated - can be pretty hard on the ego 🫣This book has gives clarity into why some of our ideas don’t take hold, despite being technically rock solid. I’ve learned that the problem has generally not been stakeholders’ lack of ‘design sensibility’ - rather my own lack of empathy and skill to communicate in the space between design and non-design disciplines.On the flipside, it’s shown me how I can be clearer in communicating what I need from designers when my role is that of the decision maker.Anyone who ever felt their design reasoning was lost in translation will find this book a treasure trove of practical advice for selling design solutions - and for accepting our role as designers in removing friction from the decision-making process.A brilliant book.

Utile e dritto al punto

N.L. · September 5, 2024

Mi è stato consigliato in quanto sono un po' carente nella presentazione dei progetti e credo che mi abbia aiutato tantissimo la lettura di questo libro: consigli pratici, dritti al punto e applicabili. Poca filosofia tanti modi pratici per migliorarsi. Davvero consigliato!

Really misleading self help book

M. · March 20, 2022

As someone with over 15 years of experience in the design industry I expected this book to establish a vocabulary that can help designers, new and senior alike, articulate why they make decisions, and focus on outcomes so that they can be more intentional in their craft. Instead, I got a glorified self-help book on how to write emails and justify decisions by cowering down. This was completely misleading and quite frankly, a waste of time. No designer worth their salt will need this. I wish I could give negative stars.

Insightful, good reminder of how we should work

K.A. · April 16, 2021

The book is very educational/well thought through. A colleague recommended it amd I’m glad she did. Suitable for all design disciplines and Marketing people as well

Great book for anyone that has to constantly present work!

D.S. · February 13, 2023

As a product designer, I constantly have to present work, receive feedback and discuss several topics with different stakeholders. It can be a very tough and draining job sometimes. I was looking for new practices/frameworks to make my life easier. I am very grateful that I found this book, it is very easy to read and has tons of useful advice and best practices. I could not recommend it highly enough.