
Time and Materials in Practice: Lessons from Real LATAM Collaborations
In the dynamic landscape of technology and design, particularly in the vibrant and often unpredictable region of Latin America (LATAM), contracting and project management models are crucial for success. The Fixed Price scheme offers budgetary certainty but often strangles the flexibility that is a pillar of User-Centered Design (UCD). On the other hand, the Time and Materials (T&M) model, which budgets for work time and resources used, has solidified itself as a powerful tool for UX/UI projects where research and iteration are fundamental.
This model, by offering superior flexibility, allows design teams to react to user research discoveries, pivot based on usability tests, and ultimately deliver a more relevant and valuable product. However, its success in LATAM is not without challenges: it demands rigorous discipline, transparent communication, and, above all, a strategic alignment that transcends mere hourly billing. This blog post explores the most valuable practical lessons learned from real collaborations in the region, focusing on how UX/UI design can flourish and demonstrate its intrinsic value within the fluid T&M structure. The key is not just billing for hours, but ensuring that every billed hour generates measurable value for both the business and the user.