Summary
When we talk about DesignOps, the focus is frequently on scaling existing design systems and supporting established design teams. But the U.S. Digital Service’s Dan Willis will tell a different kind of story about a federal agency that used DesignOps practices to address a multi-million-dollar business problem. With years of system-centric development, the agency had accidentally opened a giant void between the functionality of their enterprise software and the people who depended on that functionality to do their jobs. This talk will explore how to introduce and maintain design operations even where none have existed before.
Key Insights
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Different situations require varying approaches for implementing design operations.
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Successful integration of design ops often occurs in organizations that already see some design success.
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Introducing design ops in a dysfunctional environment requires persistence and innovative strategies.
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User-centered design definitions can guide product development while acknowledging existing constraints.
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Incremental change may be necessary for ambitious design goals in government agencies.
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Creating a safe space for designers is crucial for the success of design processes.
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Navigating political landscapes and inter-agency dynamics is vital for lasting change.
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Recognizing and addressing the complete ecosystem of interactions within an organization aids in deriving effective design solutions.
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Clear communication and flexible adaptation are key to advancing design initiatives.
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The lessons learned from challenging projects contribute to the broader evolution of civic tech.
Notable Quotes
"You can't just sprinkle design ops everywhere and expect it to work."
"The only time you get to create design ops is often in a crisis."
"An okay idea implemented is better than a fantastic idea that never sees the light."
"Selling a solution to an organization never works; it's about moving something through."
"We had to be flexible as our plan moved through the organization."
"If you just focus on one area, you will only achieve incremental change."
"We had to look backwards and forwards at the same time."
"Designers are not magic; they need a supportive environment to thrive."
"You have to create a safe space for designers or their work won't survive."
"They can't unsee the value of involving users in what they're doing."
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