Great design teams build both products and businesses

Great products are one thing to aspire to, but even greater impact comes from designing the full end-to end experience of users, customers, and communities - that means designing the business itself. It’s time we up-leveled our understanding of how our organizations run, generate revenue, and prioritize strategy within the greater market. It’s time we wrote that strategy and the vision that guides it.

Speaking the language of business impact is the top skill gap I’m seeing across design teams and the best investment to make in continued learning in 2024.

Inclusive design requires cooperation (and getting away from the screens)

To be truly inclusive in designing products and services we need more than practicing empathy in front of a screen - time to get out into the world. Go observe. Ask questions. Be humble. Facilitate the contributing voices and experiences of others. Know when it’s your call and when it’s your call to call in an expert. Good design comes from curious minds synthesizing disparate inputs, not a lone genius locked in a studio.

Design leadership keeps craft in mind

I believe that design is a powerful tool in business, but can’t forget that, in our heart of hearts, our community is one of craft. Great design leaders - at every level of the organization - need to master the art of leading while continuing to speak the language of craft with the team. It builds bonds, communicates care, and acknowledges the needs and interests of designers who expect to grow and flourish at work. 

Critique is the lifeblood of great design 

I love the metaphor of critique as rock tumbler - it’s sometimes an uncomfortable process, but when done with trust and commitment there’s no better way to bring work to a polished state. Put time and effort into designing critique for your team, iterating on best practices, and continuing to create a psychologically safe environment for all voices to contribute. 

Be kind ❤️

Whether you’re looking to lead, to influence, to connect, to convince — kindness is key. I don’t buy the line that strength looks a particular way and embrace that passion, determination, and success can be achieved all while being kind to others. Sometimes kindness looks like a favor, sometimes it looks like a tough conversation, but it’s always future-focused, unselfish, and helpful.