I was an improv star. 

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Keep in mind that my stardom consisted of two improv shows (where I was mostly terrified) and eight months' worth of practices (which also consisted of anxiety-induced irritability and near constant self-second guessing.) 

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That’s right, S-T-A-R.

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My comedy career wasn’t all a loss. Even though those months in improv proved not to be the fertile soil for my cast member spot on SNL, they did give me a lifetime's worth of lessons in collaboration, teamwork, and active listening (among other things).

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It turns out improv is a team sport – just like UX. So whether your ‘scene mates’ are stakeholders, designers, or engineers, the tenants of improv still apply.

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Here – take a look: 

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1. Say “yes’and!”

Encourage open collaboration with the team. Allow ideas to flow and build off of each other. Establish a safe place and freedom to explore solutions – By agreeing and building off each other’s ideas, the team becomes stronger than the individuals who comprise it! 

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“Yes, I love it, and…”

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2. Add new information.

Don’t leave your teammates hanging. No one wants to be the only one doing work. Step one to having a great team is to be a good team mate. Add ideas!

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3. Play in the present and use the moment.

Be present with your users while testing and interviewing. Listen to what they are saying. Make them feel heard, seen, and important. :)

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4. Be specific and provide colorful details.

Do solid research and make a killer UI. By spending the time to get to know your user (being specific), you can make a product they will love and use… complete with colorful details!

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5. Change, Change, Change!

Iterate, Iterate, Iterate, anyone?

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Generating new ideas is a part of design (and comedy) collaboration opens your mind to new possibilities. Instead of a conversation with yourself, you open your mind to ideas from other people. Suddenly, your go-to ideas might not seem so great.