1) Heightened Scrutiny and Pressure

Increased visibility often invites criticism and judgment, both internally and externally. You might encounter unrealistic expectations, unfounded comparisons, or personal attacks, leading to a constant need to prove your worth, which can be draining. This environment can trigger feelings of impostor syndrome that many strive to overcome.

> Have you ever had to present your work to senior leadership early in your career? The stakes are high, and it’s certainly not for the faint-hearted!

2) Visibility Bias

I've observed that individuals who recently earned promotions tend to obsess over visibility. Visibility bias refers to the tendency to prioritize visible work over less visible contributions, regardless of their significance. This can skew perceptions of value and impact, both for yourself and others.

> For instance, you might feel undervalued for your behind-the-scenes contributions, or fail to appreciate the efforts of less visible colleagues. Such a mindset can adversely affect your professional relationships.

3) Erosion of Autonomy and Creativity

High visibility may restrict your creative freedom. You might find yourself needing to adhere to specific standards or guidelines, leaving little room for innovation or experimentation.

> A pertinent example is the difference between designing for internal versus public-facing tools. Public-facing projects often require a more conservative approach due to heightened scrutiny, while internal tools allow for greater flexibility and experimentation.

4) Compromise of Authenticity

Visibility can lead to a disconnection from your true identity and purpose. You may find yourself engaging in tasks that don’t align with your skills or values simply because they offer more recognition.

> For example, a UX designer might end up producing marketing videos instead of focusing on user flows, compromising their satisfaction and sense of self.

5) Collective Decision-Making

As your visibility increases, you may find yourself designing by committee, where design decisions are made collectively, often leading to diluted visions and compromises that fail to satisfy anyone.

> Have you ever been part of a popular project that ended up with too many stakeholders involved? Moving forward while ensuring everyone is satisfied can be quite challenging.

Effectively managing visibility requires a thoughtful and strategic approach.

Recognizing the potential downsides is a crucial first step. Armed with this awareness, you can develop strategies to mitigate the drawbacks of visibility and ensure it serves your interests rather than hinder them. Here are some strategies to consider:

Managing Scrutiny and Pressure:

• Self-awareness: Recognize your strengths and weaknesses to handle criticism constructively. A helpful mantra for daunting tasks is: “I can do it, I can learn from it, or I can respond positively.”
• Set Realistic Expectations: Clearly communicate your capabilities to avoid setting unrealistic standards. Aim to under-promise and over-deliver.
• Prioritize Self-Care: Take time for relaxation and self-care to manage stress effectively. Burnout is a real concern and should be addressed proactively.

Addressing Visibility Bias:

• Focus on Impact Over Visibility: Reflect deeply on whether visibility is your primary motivation for a project. If you dislike the project but pursue it for visibility, it may not be worth it.
• Acknowledge All Contributions: Make a conscious effort to recognize the work of others, especially those who may not be as visible. Use inclusive language when discussing achievements.
• Communicate Your Efforts: Regularly update your team on your behind-the-scenes work to ensure it gets recognized.

Maintaining Autonomy and Creativity:

• Negotiate Boundaries: Have discussions with your superiors regarding your need for creative freedom.
• Take Calculated Risks: Don’t shy away from experimentation. Ensure you communicate potential benefits and risks with your team.
• Identify Key Stakeholders: Understand the needs and expectations of your key stakeholders to build trust and gain autonomy.

Preserving Authenticity:

• Stay True to Your Values: Regularly evaluate your values to ensure your work aligns with them. Engage in tasks that bring you fulfillment and joy.
• Choose Projects Wisely: Opt for projects that resonate with your skills and interests, even if they aren't the most visible.

Navigating Design by Committee:

• Clear Communication: Articulate your design decisions and their rationale to minimize unnecessary interference.
• Early Stakeholder Involvement: Involve stakeholders from the onset of a project to align expectations.
• Practice Saying No: Learn to decline requests politely but firmly, ensuring you maintain control over your design process.

Visibility in UX is not inherently positive or negative; it is a tool that can yield different outcomes based on its application. As UX professionals, we must remain vigilant of visibility’s potential pitfalls and navigate them with care.

> Next time you showcase your work, remember that while visibility is powerful, it is not the sole measure of your value.

Question:

> Has visibility ever backfired in your UX career? I look forward to reading your thoughts in the comments!