“Design doesn’t necessarily always have a value problem. They have a translation problem. We do valuable work. But when we explain it to executives, we explain it like they’re a designer.” –Venessa Bennett, Global UX Director

Many times, designers walk into presentations and are already on the back foot. Why? Designers often believe they are merely presenting information.

You’re not. When you present something, whether it’s user testing findings, design recommendations, or more, it’s about getting people to make decisions and determine the best course of action.

And if you keep getting shot down in the first few minutes, you’re probably presenting it like a used car salesman.

Understanding what’s at stake: modern vs traditional car buying

Imagine that you are going to a car dealership to purchase a new car. You go to a dealership, they show you a few models and colors, and then say, “Okay, would you like to buy this now?”

That’s essentially what designers often do when presenting ideas for change. You’re asking people to make…