Is it normal for a Product Owner to lay out specs for how a feature should work?

I thought that was my job as the ux designer to figure out the best way to solve a need. But I’m getting handed projects where the PO, and sometimes the senior designer has laid out exactly what should happen (components used, flow, etc) to design a feature. It’s really frustrating because I don’t know if I’m supposed to be speaking up on what I think or just do the UI work I’m asked to.

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Yes, Product Managers will describe features along a wide spectrum ranging from abstract to prescriptive direction.

I recommend my team to always first deliver what Product Managers request.

Take the time that you need to also leverage best practices and execute the work as the feature should be done.

First present the requested design to your Product Manager, which lowers their guard and allows you to follow up with your preferred recommendation.

Speak to the benefits of your direction over the other.

Use quantitative and qualitative research to back your points when possible.

Let your Product Manager make the final call.

If the Product Manager declines, cry all the way to the bank and keep both directions for your portfolio.

If the Product Manager likes it, continue to cultivate the trust between the two of you. Slowly over time you can help redirect prescriptive feature requests to a well-defined problem for you to go and solve.

In the end, assume positive intent and work on stakeholder management.

likesmart

Great advice!! Thanks

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