In recent research, Forrester uncovered six best practices in the user-centered design process — for example, Medco links business objectives to customer goals, Wells Fargo uses scenario-starter exercises to gain early stakeholder buy-in, and KeyBank links personas to market segments. While some of these practices require investments early in a project, the results are improved time-to-market, minimized risk, and increased adoption. These benefits of good user-centric design can be even more important in a slow economy.