How can companies effectively balance the use of employee feedback and user research in the design process to ensure both internal perspectives and user needs are adequately addressed, and what strategies can be implemented to optimize this balance for creating truly user-friendly interfaces?

Companies can effectively balance employee feedback and user research by creating a structured process that integrates both sources of information. This can involve conducting user research to understand user needs and preferences, while also gathering feedback from employees who have insights into the company's goals and values. Strategies to optimize this balance include regular communication between design teams and employees, conducting usability testing with both internal and external users, and prioritizing feedback that aligns with both employee and user perspectives. By incorporating both internal and external insights, companies can create user-friendly interfaces that meet the needs of both users and the organization.