Setting Expectations with Software Architects, UI/UX Designers, and the Design Team as a Business Analyst

A critical aspect of a Business Analyst’s (BA) role is setting clear expectations with the Software Architects, Design Team, and UI/UX Developers to ensure alignment between business requirements and technical or design outputs. This collaboration helps streamline the design and development process, leading to a smoother project execution.

Setting Expectations with Software Architects

Clarifying System Requirements:
- Purpose: BAs must ensure that the Software Architect understands the system’s functional and non-functional requirements, including scalability, performance, and security.
- Example: In a Fintech project, a BA ensures that the Software Architect is aware of strict regulatory requirements for data encryption in the payment system.
Defining Technical Constraints:
- Purpose: BAs should communicate any technical limitations or dependencies early on, allowing the Software Architect to plan an appropriate system architecture.
- Example: A BA in a US Healthcare Domain project outlines the constraints imposed by legacy systems, ensuring the new architecture integrates seamlessly.

Setting Expectations with the UI/UX Design Team

Understanding User-Centric Goals:
- Purpose: The BA aligns with the UI/UX team on user expectations, personas, and pain points. This ensures that the design reflects the end-user's needs.
- Example: In a Supply Chain Management project, the BA conveys that warehouse staff need a simplified user interface for tracking shipments in real-time.
Aligning on Design Deliverables:
- Purpose: BAs should clarify what design deliverables are required, such as wireframes, mockups, or interactive prototypes, and set timelines for review.
- Example: In a Capital Markets project, the BA requests wireframes showing how traders will interact with a new high-frequency trading platform, ensuring design expectations are clear.

Setting Expectations with UI/UX Developers

Communicating Design Specifications:
- Purpose: BAs should ensure that UI/UX developers receive clear documentation on design requirements, functionality, and user interaction.
- Example: In a Banking project, the BA specifies how customers will interact with online loan applications, ensuring UI/UX developers incorporate seamless navigation and accessibility.
Maintaining Consistent Feedback Loops:
- Purpose: Regular check-ins allow BAs and UI/UX developers to refine designs based on user feedback or changing requirements.
- Example: A BA in an Investment Banking project sets up frequent feedback sessions to refine the user interface for traders, improving user experience and functionality.

Case Study: Setting Expectations in a Fintech Project

In a Fintech project focused on developing a mobile banking app, the BA worked closely with the Software Architect and UI/UX team to establish deliverables like system architecture diagrams, wireframes, and design prototypes. By aligning the technical constraints and user-centric goals early, the team delivered a seamless, secure user experience that met both business and regulatory standards.

Conclusion:

Setting clear expectations with Software Architects, UI/UX Designers, and the Design Team is essential for ensuring that business goals translate into effective technical and user-friendly solutions. Clear communication and regular feedback loops are key to a successful collaboration.

Explore Our Courses at JVMH Infotech: Learn to collaborate effectively with architects and designers through our Business Analyst training programs: