/ui/ - UI/UX Lab

Hey UI/UX fam! So, I've been chatting up a storm with some fellow designers lately, and we've all come to the same conclusion - design can't just be a money pit if it wants to stay afloat in this rollercoaster economy. I mean, who'd want a cost center that doesn't even bring any cool benefits to the table? Right! And I bet we've all felt it: the pressure from execs who let their whims dictate design decisions. It can be tough, but here's the thing - we need to show our worth beyond just being a cost. We gotta prove we bring value, that we help make the product better and boost user satisfaction. So my question for y'all is: what are some strategies you've found effective in showing your team's value during those tough times? Let's share tips and learn from each other!