Photo by Joseph Barrientos on Unsplash

Bruce Lee famously said, “Be water, my friend.” Though from martial arts, this wisdom holds immense value in UX research, strategy, and design. Water is adaptable, flowing around obstacles, filling spaces, and taking the shape of its container. It’s a powerful metaphor for how the research and design process should function—fluid, flexible, and collaborative.

In product development, where multiple roles converge—product managers, data analysts, engineers, and UX designers—it’s easy to become rigid, sticking to predefined roles and processes. However, this rigidity often leads to friction, misunderstandings, and delays. Instead, if we approach our work like water, adapting to challenges and changes, we can create a more harmonious and efficient path to success.

The Fluidity of UX Processes

UX research and design are not linear processes. They require constant iteration, feedback, and adjustment. Just as water finds its way through the most complex terrain, a fluid UX process navigates through the complexities of user needs, business goals, and technical constraints.

Adaptability is key. For instance, when user research uncovers unexpected insights, the design process must be ready to shift direction, just as water changes course when it encounters an obstacle. Similarly, a flexible approach allows the team to pivot and find alternative solutions without losing momentum when technical limitations arise.

Collaborative Flow: Working Together Like Water

Each role in a product team contributes to the overall flow. Product managers steer the ship, ensuring the product vision aligns with business goals. Data analysts provide the insights that guide decision-making. Engineers bring the product to life, solving technical challenges along the way. UX designers ensure that the user’s needs remain at the forefront, crafting functional and delightful experiences.

If any one of these roles becomes rigid, the flow is disrupted. Imagine a situation where a product manager refuses to deviate from the original plan despite new research insights suggesting a different direction. Or a scenario where an engineer insists on a specific technology stack that doesn’t align with the user experience goals. In both cases, the rigidity creates bottlenecks, slowing progress and potentially leading to a less successful product.

However, the process becomes smoother and more collaborative when all roles embrace a fluid mindset. Product managers remain open to change, data analysts present actionable insights, engineers work creatively within constraints, and UX designers iterate quickly, incorporating feedback from all stakeholders. This creates a natural flow towards the final product, reducing friction and speeding up the path to success.

Going with the Flow: The Path to Success

Product teams must embrace continuous learning, flexibility, and collaboration to embody the principle of being like water. This means:

1. Embracing Change: Being willing to pivot based on new information or changing circumstances.

2. Fostering Collaboration: Encouraging open communication and collaboration across all roles to prevent silos and misunderstandings.

3. Staying User-Centered: Keeping the user’s needs at the forefront, even when faced with technical or business challenges.

4. Iterating Quickly: Adopting an iterative approach, where feedback is incorporated quickly and efficiently, allowing the product to evolve naturally.

In the fast-paced world of product development, where success often hinges on the ability to adapt and innovate, the wisdom of being like water is invaluable. By cultivating a fluid, adaptable approach to UX research, strategy, and design, product teams can easily navigate the complexities of their work, ultimately reaching a successful product faster and with less friction.

So, let’s take a page from Bruce Lee’s book. Be like water—flowing, adaptable, and ready to shape yourself to the project’s needs. In doing so, you’ll find that the path to success is faster, more harmonious, and enjoyable.

If you want to ensure that your product hits the mark — both for your business and your users — I invite you to book a UX Audit with me!