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Last updated on Dec 19, 2024
  1. All
  2. Engineering
  3. Information Architecture

Your client wants IA changes that defy best practices. How can you navigate this challenging situation?

When a client insists on information architecture (IA) changes that go against industry standards, it's crucial to handle the situation with tact and expertise. Here's how you can effectively guide the conversation:

  • Educate your client: Explain why the current best practices exist and how they benefit user experience.

  • Offer alternatives: Propose solutions that align with both their vision and best practices.

  • Showcase examples: Present case studies or examples where adhering to best practices led to successful outcomes.

How do you address similar challenges with your clients? Share your strategies.

Information Architecture Information Architecture

Information Architecture

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Last updated on Dec 19, 2024
  1. All
  2. Engineering
  3. Information Architecture

Your client wants IA changes that defy best practices. How can you navigate this challenging situation?

When a client insists on information architecture (IA) changes that go against industry standards, it's crucial to handle the situation with tact and expertise. Here's how you can effectively guide the conversation:

  • Educate your client: Explain why the current best practices exist and how they benefit user experience.

  • Offer alternatives: Propose solutions that align with both their vision and best practices.

  • Showcase examples: Present case studies or examples where adhering to best practices led to successful outcomes.

How do you address similar challenges with your clients? Share your strategies.

Add your perspective
Help others by sharing more (125 characters min.)
21 answers
  • Contributor profile photo
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    Jooliana Krummel
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    AI is an amazing tool when used wisely. We’re fortunate to have information at our fingertips, but just like Googling symptoms isn’t a substitute for a doctor’s diagnosis, AI works best when paired with expert guidance. When clients are excited about AI, it’s great to explore their ideas while ensuring the best decisions for their goals. For example, an AI robo-advisor may be perfect for a 25-year-old saving for retirement due to its low cost and simplicity. However, families with complex financial needs often benefit from a human advisor’s personalized approach. The key is staying open to innovation while educating clients on the best options for their unique circumstances.

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    Jonathan Chew

    LinkedIn AI Top Voice (2023-24) | AI & Revenue Strategist @ Brandrev | AI Insider Newsletter | Executive MBA | MSc AI & ML Mgmt | PostGrad Data Science & Solutions Architecture | PCert Marketing Science & IP Strategy

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    Addressing situations where a client insists on non-standard information architecture changes requires a balance of diplomacy and expertise. Firstly, it's essential to educate: transparently explain the rationale behind current best practices and their impact on user experience. Providing evidence through case studies or examples that demonstrate the success of adhering to these practices will be beneficial. Offering alternatives that align with the client’s vision, yet still maintain a degree of industry compliance, can also help in steering the conversation positively. Engaging clients in this manner enhances their understanding and builds trust in your expertise while working collaboratively towards a viable solution.

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    Kalpavalli P
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    Here’s how you can approach the situation: 1. Listen Actively Understand their reasoning: First, engage the client in a conversation to fully understand their needs and motivations. Clarify their goals: Ensure you understand the client’s business goals, target audience, and any specific constraints. 2. Educate with Empathy Explain best practices: Share your expertise by explaining why IA best practices exist. Use data and research: examples that are relevant to their industry or goals. For instance, A/B testing or user feedback can illustrate how certain IA decisions improve performance. 3. Propose Alternatives Compromise with alternatives: user experience. However, always ensure that critical IA principles are upheld.

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    Mohit B.

    Founder | Building Democratic Solutions | Advisor | Innovation & Transformation | Storytelling | Collaboration | Coaching | Critique 🙋

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    What is the problem that they are trying to solve? Ask questions that will help them think through possibilities and constraints they or you may have. Try to get as much insight as possible. Ask more questions on ethics and their vision. All in all, if client means well, there are good chances that things will work out, or at the very least both of you would have learnt something.

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    Shailesh Borse

    #Solution Architect @Amdocs #Product Management #Certified SAFe®5 -Product Owner/Product Manager #InnovationAgent #Generative AI Expert #CopilotExpert #Ex-TechM #Telecom Domain Expert

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    First of all, its very important to Understand client's Perspective - One need to ask probing questions to uncover their rationale, goals, and the problem they’re trying to solve with the suggested changes. - Educate them on Best Practices- explaining how it helps achieve user experience, usability, and long-term success. - Offer alternative solutions that align with their goals while respecting best practices. Present these as a compromise. - Need to highlight Long-term Impacts of avoiding best practices. Overall, I believe in staying Solution-Oriented and keeping things simple, by maintaining a collaborative tone, positioning yourself as a partner invested in their success, rather than a gatekeeper of rules.

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    Christina Dockery

    Care giving

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    I feel with clients they should: 1: trust you are the expert 2: stand firm and educate 3: when necessary unfortunately you can’t always “work” with everyone Cautionary tale, AI can be a slippery slope Just my thoughts.

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    Muhammad Muzammal Saif

    Front-End Developer | UX/UI Focused | HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React.js, Shopify, WordPress | Creating Engaging Digital Experiences | Digital Marketing

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    Navigating client demands that defy best practices requires a thoughtful approach. Here's my strategy: - Educate and enlighten clients on industry standards and their benefits. - Offer alternative solutions that balance their vision with best practices. - Showcase success stories demonstrating the effectiveness of adhering to best practices. Empathy, education, and creative problem-solving are key. By sharing knowledge, collaborating, and listening, we can find solutions that meet clients' needs while upholding industry standards. Effective communication is crucial in navigating these situations.

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    Manuel Morales

    Marketing Technician | Digital Marketing | Ecommerce | Web | AI | Data Analysis

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    My strategies: - Why is important AI changes - I'm professional and expert - Solutions and examples - Records, Trending, Analitycs - A strategy for begin

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    Dr Muhammad Kamran

    @HR Office

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    When a client requests changes that conflict with information architecture (IA) best practices, it's crucial to address the situation thoughtfully. Begin by actively listening to understand their objectives and reasoning. Then, explain how adhering to IA principles enhances user experience, providing evidence or case studies to support your points. If the client remains unconvinced, propose a compromise, such as implementing their suggestions on a trial basis or conducting A/B testing to assess the impact. This collaborative approach ensures that decisions are informed and balanced, aligning both client goals and user needs

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