Case StudyEnabling Team: Training,People - Empowering Teams through Employee Coaching
Atlassian, a leading provider of collaboration and productivity software, faced a challenge common in many organizations: the demand for UX research exceeded the capacity of the dedicated research team. With only a small team of researchers available, they struggled to keep up with the needs of product teams for insights that inform decision-making. This situation necessitated a scalable solution to maintain research quality without overburdening the existing research staff.
The Solution
Atlassian adopted a strategy focused on coaching and empowering cross-functional team members to conduct their own research. This approach included several key initiatives:
- Training Programs: Atlassian developed comprehensive training programs aimed at upskilling UX designers and product managers. These programs covered essential research methodologies, tools, and best practices to ensure that non-researchers could perform high-quality research.
- Standardized Processes: The company established standardized research processes and templates to guide non-researchers through the research process. This standardization helped maintain consistency and quality across all research activities.
- Mentorship and Support: Experienced researchers provided ongoing mentorship and support to team members conducting their own research. This included regular check-ins, feedback sessions, and assistance with complex research tasks.
- Resource Development: Atlassian created a library of resources, including guides, checklists, and video tutorials, to support continuous learning and reference. These resources were easily accessible to all team members.
- Tool Integration: The company integrated user-friendly research tools into the daily workflows of UX designers and product managers, making it easier for them to conduct research without significant disruption to their existing responsibilities.
Outcomes achieved
The coaching initiative at Atlassian led to several positive outcomes:
- Increased Research Capacity: By empowering non-researchers to conduct their own research, Atlassian significantly increased its overall research capacity. This allowed the company to meet the growing demand for insights without expanding the research team.
- Improved Decision-Making: With more team members capable of conducting research, product teams had quicker access to relevant insights. This improved the timeliness and quality of decision-making processes.
- Enhanced Research Quality: Despite the decentralization of research activities, the quality of research conducted by non-researchers remained high. This was ensured through the standardized processes, training, and ongoing support provided by the experienced researchers.
- Employee Growth and Satisfaction: The coaching program also contributed to the professional growth of UX designers and product managers. These employees gained valuable research skills, leading to higher job satisfaction and career development opportunities.
