Politics of User Interface Design

The User need representation too ...

"Trying to design an interface is nothing short of agonizing at times when we are dealing with users and their needs (or more to the point, requests). Most of us can relate to how hard it can be to get coherent requirements for an application. It is often equally challenging to solidify the design of a user interface and get buy-in from all stakeholders. There is usually someone who is responsible for seeing that business objectives are met. Then there is someone responsible for deciding technical feasibility and another that is responsible for scheduling and budgeting. And of course there should be someone representing the users. If software is being developed for internal use, then a representative from the users’ area or department will fill that role. If the software is being developed for outside customers a representative from marketing or sales is often appointed to act on the users’ behalf."   continued ...   (Via Fiat Developmentum)