You're debating a last-minute design tweak with your team. How important is it to find common ground?

Finding common ground is crucial in this situation. A happy team invested in the final product is key. By valuing everyone's perspectives, you explore more creative solutions and avoid rework. Listen openly, discuss honestly, and find a middle ground that works for everyone. This fosters a positive team environment and leads to a better final product.

Obviously, collective agreement within the design team is crucial for integrated, cohesive design workflow and positive outcomes. However, when Rolex were trying to mate a two tone color of blue and red cerachrom inserts for the Bezel of the GMT Master watch, they encountered 'blurry line' issues mating both colors to a flush sharp contrasting fit. What transpired beforehand, I cannot say, but the resultant effect is a result of oversight on the team - albeit at senior design level. The ability of the team to reason as one, and put egos aside is paramount, a shared vision must be deployed for design cohesion leading to the success of. Team must note that the ONE tweak can make or break the whole idea, so proceed cautiously as one.

Finding common ground with your team on last-minute design tweaks is crucial. Revisiting project goals clarifies if the tweak strengthens the design's ability to meet them. If it aligns, it's likely a positive change. If not, discuss if the goals need adjusting, or if an alternative tweak can achieve both the goals and the desired improvement. This ensures the design stays on track and meets the project's core objectives.

Every design decision needs to link back to the project goals and objectives. It is not about preference or making artistic choices. Art might be subjective, but design isn't!

Rushing a decision could lead to a low-quality solution. Take a quick moment to discuss options - a well-considered tweak can elevate the design. Focus on the impact and feasibility of the change. Be open to alternatives and compromise to find a solution that works for everyone.

If, from day 1 of the project, you have established who makes final calls on various elements of the project, then this is easy. Stakeholder and SME management isn't an ad hoc process; it must start from the very earliest stage of the project. This allows you to not have to slow things down by carefully managing new relationships as they emerge through the project, especially during the final stages. These changes are often powered by nervousness before launch and so should be treated with a certain amount of scepticism. Always go back to the data. What delivers the required value to the audience? Once you have designed for this, launch, and if there is a need, iterate. Don't keep holding off for perfection; you won't find it!