Lean UX can eliminate the contractual obligations inherent with specification documents and other deliverables. Designers and developers find it frustrating to put so much effort into a project then not see it ship at the end. Using the Lean UX process, you’re constantly validating your designs, especially early in the process. This motivates the team to work towards the same end goal.
Jeff Gothelf spearheaded this approach during his time at TheLadders. Through his own experience and through coaching other organizations, Jeff notes that teams implementing this process focus on a collaborative working process. Having the entire team on the same page allows for success in shipping better products, earlier.
A key part of attaining this efficiency and shared understanding is pairing designers and developers. By working so closely together, they engage in a consistent and open dialogue. Not only do they learn each other’s craft, they also work towards the right solution.