Summary
Let's talk about design careers--and about doing design work under the influence of just the right amount of caffeine. These Compass design leaders guide you through a discussion of a day in the life of product designers at a fast-growing enterprise. And they'll also talk about their journeys getting there. Hear about design and career opportunities in a technology company that is bringing meaningful disruption to real estate. See what it's like to design beautiful productivity tools for real estate agents and an industry that seems to thrive on complexity. Get insight into how your own career path is reflected in the many paths that lead to good product design.
Key Insights
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Compass fosters a supportive environment for career transitions within the company.
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User research is key to understanding the needs and preferences of real estate agents.
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Product design at Compass involves balancing simplicity with functionality, especially for diverse user groups.
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The culture at Compass encourages open communication and collaboration among designers.
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No Meetings Fridays have been instituted to provide uninterrupted time for focused work.
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Designers at Compass often come from varied backgrounds, enhancing team creativity and problem-solving.
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Feedback from colleagues is openly shared to help each other grow and combat imposter syndrome.
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Collaboration across teams is crucial, especially when dealing with components used by multiple stakeholders.
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The diversity of agent preferences, from tech-savvy to tactile methods, adds challenges to designing effective solutions.
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Strong leadership and mentoring are emphasized as important to professional growth.
Notable Quotes
"I love working at Compass; it’s always interesting and there’s never a dull moment."
"I didn’t know what a product designer was growing up, but Compass helped me transition."
"The agents we work with are brutally honest and we love that feedback."
"We are constantly talking to agents to ensure we know what they want."
"Designing for real estate agents is complex, especially when they have diverse work habits."
"At Compass, you can promote your ideas even if you're not a boss."
"You're not alone in feeling imposter syndrome; everyone experiences it."
"The pace at Compass feels familiar if you’ve worked at startups before."
"There's no competitive gauntlet here; designers support each other."
"Our leadership genuinely cares about our personal health and growth in our careers."
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