“Design is the craft of visualizing concrete solutions that serve human needs and goals within certain constraints.”
Excerpt From
Designing for the Digital Age
Kim Goodwin
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The Assess, Plan, Act framework guides design leaders facing unclear challenges. By clarifying the problem, engaging stakeholders, planning strategically, and committing to action, leaders can navigate complexities, enhance collaboration, and drive valuable solutions effectively within their teams and organizations.
The principles of collaboration and communication in design, emphasizing the importance of setting intentions, inviting participation, sharing user stories, and clear messaging. Implementing these principles enhances visibility and reinforces design’s role as a strategic partner within organizations.
This article focuses on the human aspect of design leadership. By turning the UX mirror on ourselves, we see the need to collaborate, be a great partner, and take responsibility for personal leadership. You cannot do this alone and must understand the complex relational dynamics at play to ensure a project’s success.
Design Leaders find the critical problems to solve. This means looking beyond a request to see what is really needed both on the company’s side and the users.
Designers clarify information by reducing ambiguity as much as possible.
Designers must discover the “why” behind design requests. They become strategic thinkers through research and involving stakeholders and users to inform effective design solutions.
This is the first article in a series on Design Leadership. Here, we discuss the importance of design leadership, emphasizing that it extends beyond simply completing assignments. Designers are encouraged to shift their mindset toward strategic thinking, clarity, and collaborative problem-solving. By understanding their value and driving meaningful outcomes, designers can enhance their roles and contribute significantly to their organizations’ success.
A practical guide for designers to identify and understand key stakeholders, their roles, and how they contribute to successful product development and collaboration.
Success as a designer is measured through product impact, team collaboration, and personal growth in career, passion, and purpose.
