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.

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

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

Related Posts

Any referrals of banking domain? I have experience for almost 6 years in TCS.

like

Hi guys, i have cleared the Accenture interview and also got the HR discussion done. uploaded all the documents in the portal. what are my chances of getting the offer letter???

like

How much do mid-level sales people do in SaaS? (Base Salary and commission structure)

like

Heck, you’ve done me a bamboozled

Post Photo
likefunny

Does anyone here have experience building product analytics? I am the first product analyst in my team and I work with approximately 6 PMs. Any help is appreciated

like

Anyone work for cybersecurity and infrastructure security agency and want to talk about it

like

28,F divorced no child and no life , my marriage is nothing but a whole cheat drama, now parents are asking to marry anyone who can 'accept ' me but I never did anything wrong other than being innocent and naive and good to bad people, really wanted to live my life, somebody hold my hand when in distress and i ended up somebody who just need my money and body nothing else, just feel like committing suicide, never been a loser at any point of life , Life is bloody damn unfair

like

Has anyone seen or tried those anti-wrinkle straws? They kind of look like a hook but I was wondering if they actually helped or if they were simply gimmicked?

like

Any feedback on the School of Visual Concepts (SVC) in Seattle? Looking to go from a media buyer to art direction/design.

like

I truly want to be recognized publicly on AdAge and such.. but I don’t seem to have a luck in being recognized as so. How do people do it? I’m 6 years into this industry and haven’t gotten a chance yet to be in such a recognized agency or team.

like

Amazon is hiring a lot of migration specialist ,could anyone refer me ? Also what is the package they offering

like
like

What should my requested salary be for a Senior Intelligence Analyst position with CrowdStrike ? I have a bachelors degree and 5 years of experience as an intelligence analyst. Current salary is 56k in NC, but when I was in DC I was making 86k (big locality change)… which makes me confused on what I should expect for a remote job.

likehelpful

I supervise staff in the public sector that process Medicaid applications and assistance for Medicare. Is their anything in the private sector that pay more than $75,000 in this industry and is remote or hybrid?

like

Dads side from Latin America - grandparents live there. Have my cedula and citizenship. Understand Spanish and speak it well but not perfectly. I constantly feel (contd...)

Any advice (besides good GMAT) on how to get into a top MBA post consulting? Im a public sector consultant.

like

Can someone recommend some marketing and design blogs? I am working on a project and my creative juices just aren't flowing.

like

I have an interview for Interpath Advisory (Transaction Services). Has anyone been through this process?

like

What is a considerate way to say “no thank you” to a recruiter? I was contacted on LinkedIn and want to be respectful of the recruiter’s time but also want to thank them for thinking of me.

like

Additional Posts in UX & Product Design

like

Any tips for writing a self-review? I have low self esteem and think I’m bad at everything, so it’s hard to know what to put in ‘super powers’ and ‘areas of development’. I don’t want to point out all the things I think I’m bad. On the other hand, I’m not sure what my strengths are. Any suggestions?

like

Designers, what is your relationship like with your PM and Design Manager? How do you typically work together?

like

Hey! I'm just about to start doing some freelance work for a NYC based boutique design studio, and I need to give a hiring manager my hourly rate to give his customers. I am new to UI/UX design. I have experience in graphic design, but I just completed a certificate in UI/UX design so other than school projects I don't have an extensive amount of experience. What would you suggest I should charge? I am more interested in gaining experience than needing the money, but want to be payed reasonably.

like

Does anyone know about salaries at Liebherr?

like

I am product designer with a fair amount of experience (6yrs).

Recently was interviewed for a Sr. role in Booking but unfortunately the team finds me better suited as a core individual contributor.

I am also in the advanced stages of some lead designer positions in other companies.

However I am really interested in joining the team at Booking, especially because of the design culture.

What should be my reasons to accept or not accept the offer from booking?

like

What's the protocol for adding internal portal mockups for a client to your portfolio? Is it expected, something that requires asking permission but is still generally OK, or frowned upon? I'm a developer trying to pivot to UX.

Nothing in the contract bc our SOW was originally dev only. If I need permission, I have a good rapport with the Corp Comm director and VP so would I contact them on LinkedIn, or is this something that's normally done through the employer?

like

Hi everyone,

I’m in a pit of a pickle…I’m leading my very first project (case study) with a team of 5. We’re all in different countries and different time zones 😬

What do I need to include on the project plan/roadmap so there’s a clear understanding of what our goals are? How do I get everything to align for success and how do I keep everyone motivated?

Hello! I am a Sr. Product Designer at an enterprise SaaS company and am looking for some help!
I am having a difficult time meeting the expectations of the role because of my previous roles lack of management and more junior role responsibilities. I have been truly dedicating myself to becoming proficient in the necessary areas but am still struggling. Does anyone have any ideas or resource recommendations to help my really grow as a designer? Possibly a type of 1:1 tutoring/teaching sessions?

like

🪡 ✨ New threat dynamic ✨🧵

Age and salary. I start:

27: 130k

like

Any tips for 30 min design remote whiteboard challenges in interviews?

like

Whats your salary, YOE and location?
I have 8 years of graphic / web design followed by 8 years of pure UX. Currently WFH but live near NYC, making 140 base / 165 total. I think I’m due for a move and looking for 175 base / 200+ total.

like

Bridge between Customer Support and Product Design?

Hiya! I am in the final round of interviews at an EdTech platform for a role that is the bridge between the Customer Support and UX/Product Design teams. I act as that bridge in my current role but on a more informal basis because it is a smaller company.

Would anyone be willing to share their perspective (positive or negative) on the Product/UX end of this relationship? I want to make sure to ask the right questions.
Thank you!

like

What's the best route for early career, agency or in-house?

like

Hi, all! I am an emerging UX designer and I would love some tips and ideas for polishing up my resume and portfolio so I can get my first real job. What advice can you give a junior designer to stand out from the crowd?

like

I have a $1,400 annual learning stipend, and looking for ideas on ways to spend it. Any suggestions on coding classes, digital subscriptions, conferences, etc? How have you spent your learning stipend in the past, or what are you planning to spend it on?

like

Wondering everyone’s take on password-protecting your UX portfolios? I have some case studies from a previous B2B startup I worked at. Although the work isn’t under an NDA, I’m wondering if it’d appear more professional if there were a password. Alternatively, any advice on how much detail to show on a case study in situations like this?

like

How much would you charge for building a design system for an enterprise, already having web and mobile apps? What would be a fair price?

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal