Centralized vs Decentralized UX Research Teams
Centralized UX works like an agency, loaning researchers to products and returning them to a resource pool; decentralized embeds UX in product teams. This matters when UX is added after engineering. The footgun is freezing structure rather than evolving it.
Centralized UX teams act as internal agencies, assigning researchers from a shared pool to product teams for finite projects, while decentralized teams embed UX staff within product groups under product leadership. This matters when organizations scale beyond one product or add UX after engineering and product management are entrenched, since earlier disciplines define reporting lines. The footgun is cementing one model forever, though structure should adapt as products, staff, and priorities change.
Read the original → nngroup.com
- #ux research
- #team structure
- #org design
- #centralized teams
- #decentralized teams
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