A designer’s guide to UX workshop types and how to run them

UX workshops offer a solution to the inefficiencies of traditional design meetings by providing a structured, hands-on approach to tackling design challenges, facilitating collaboration, and improving user experiences. These workshops, which include discovery, empathy, design, prioritization, and critique sessions, each serve distinct purposes, such as aligning teams on project goals, deepening user understanding, generating and refining design ideas, making strategic decisions, and providing constructive feedback. Effective workshop facilitation is highlighted as a crucial skill for UX designers, emphasizing the importance of careful planning, including defining clear objectives, selecting appropriate activities, preparing materials, and managing group dynamics. The guide also stresses the significance of post-workshop follow-ups to maintain momentum and ensure actionable outcomes. By integrating thoughtful planning and facilitation, UX workshops can enhance the design process and the career trajectory of those leading them, supported by resources like a downloadable checklist and template to streamline workshop execution.