User Advocacy
What is User Advocacy in Product Design?
User Advocacy in product design is the practice of representing and prioritizing the needs, preferences, and experiences of users throughout the design and development process to create products that truly serve their intended audience.
Synonyms: User Champion, User Representation, User-Centered Advocacy, Customer Advocacy in Design

Why User Advocacy is Important
User advocacy ensures that the product design focuses on real user needs rather than assumptions. It helps create more usable, accessible, and satisfying products, leading to higher user engagement and loyalty.
How User Advocacy is Used in Product Design
Designers and product teams use user advocacy by gathering user feedback, conducting user research, and championing user perspectives in decision-making meetings. This approach helps align product features and design choices with what users actually want and need.
Examples of User Advocacy in Action
Examples include involving users in usability testing, creating personas based on real user data, and advocating for accessibility features to ensure the product is inclusive for all users.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does a user advocate do in product design? A user advocate represents the user's voice, ensuring their needs and pain points are addressed in the product.
- How is user advocacy different from user research? User research gathers data about users, while user advocacy actively promotes and defends user interests throughout the design process.
- Why is user advocacy critical for product success? It helps create products that users find valuable and easy to use, increasing satisfaction and reducing the risk of product failure.