3 Ways Communication Empowers UX Designers.

Onboarding clients effectively sets the stage for successful project execution. By focusing on clear communication and connection, teams can gather essential insights that guide the design process. Today, Senior UX Designer April Li from Arctic Leaf shares best practices for client onboarding, adapting to changes in real-time, and collaborating smoothly with development teams. Her insights will help you refine your approach and improve project outcomes.

1. Onboard Clients with Purpose.

Onboarding a new client starts with a firm grasp of their project goals and needs. Prepare focused questions in advance and share them to kick off a productive meeting. This gives clients the chance to gather their thoughts and reduces the pressure to respond immediately. Building a strong connection is vital; understand not just the client’s objectives but also their ambitions. When clients clearly outline their needs and how they align with future goals, the design process becomes more efficient.

"It’s about building a real connection with the client, not just as a business but as humans."
—April Li

2. Adapt to Merchant Adjustments.

Adapt to merchant adjustments with a client-first mindset and clear communication. Quickly loop in the account manager when out-of-scope items come up, keeping all stakeholders aligned. Evaluate critical factors like timeline, budget, and expected launch dates, then check with the development team on the feasibility and complexity of changes. Stay flexible; suggest ideas outside the current scope, as clients may change their constraints. Collaborate with all teams to navigate adjustments smoothly and reach consensus on next steps.

“The biggest factors are usually the timeline, expected launch date, and budget. From there, I check with the development team to confirm feasibility, understand the level of complexity, and see how we’d implement these changes.”
—April

3. Support Development Team Integration.

Support integration with the development team by prioritizing collaboration from the start. Involve developers early to discuss solutions and validate design feasibility. When collecting feedback, align with the account manager to pinpoint key stakeholders, minimizing miscommunication risks. Urge clients to secure internal alignment before making decisions to maximize efficiency. Use visual aids in meetings to clarify ideas and ensure everyone is ready to contribute. Regular check-ins with the development team are essential for adapting to changes and avoiding errors in the design process.

"The key is to show up prepared with the right questions and resources. Visual aids are essential for making each meeting as valuable and efficient as possible."
—April

Want to Learn More?

Check out the full conversation with our Creative Director Natalie Pucacco and Senior UX Designer April Li:

Meet Our Experts

Natalie Pucacco
Natalie has spent over 13 years in various creative roles, blending intuition with skill. Her experience in e-commerce allows her to turn the ordinary into extraordinary, ensuring every project is engaging and impactful.

April Li
April is a UX Designer with a human-centric approach. With a decade of freelance design experience and a background in tourism, she excels in user-centric services and delivers creative solutions that connect with audiences.

For any questions about e-commerce or content marketing, contact us at [email protected]. Cheers, and we look forward to seeing you soon!