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
-
•
Different situations require varying approaches for implementing design operations.
-
•
Successful integration of design ops often occurs in organizations that already see some design success.
-
•
Introducing design ops in a dysfunctional environment requires persistence and innovative strategies.
-
•
User-centered design definitions can guide product development while acknowledging existing constraints.
-
•
Incremental change may be necessary for ambitious design goals in government agencies.
-
•
Creating a safe space for designers is crucial for the success of design processes.
-
•
Navigating political landscapes and inter-agency dynamics is vital for lasting change.
-
•
Recognizing and addressing the complete ecosystem of interactions within an organization aids in deriving effective design solutions.
-
•
Clear communication and flexible adaptation are key to advancing design initiatives.
-
•
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."
More Videos
"Be prepared for change; change is imminent."
Jacqui FreyFlow and Superfluidity for Design Orgs
November 7, 2018
"Everyone almost always knew one another's language in small communities historically."
Laura Gatewood Laine ProkayBeyond Buzzwords: Adding Heart to Effective Slack Communication
September 23, 2024
"Metrics are crucial; they tell us what people pay attention to."
Johanna KollmannInsights-Driven Product Strategy: Get your Research to Count
December 6, 2022
"If you feel like there's a lag, we want to know about it."
Bria AlexanderDay 3 Welcome
September 25, 2024
"A great design solution for a poorly defined problem is infinitely worse than an average solution applied to a well-defined problem."
Billy CarlsonIdeation tips for Product Managers
December 6, 2022
"It’s crucial to bridge connections between different teams to avoid siloed insights and foster collaboration."
Catherine DubutBridging Physical and Digital Spaces: Approaches to Retail Service Design
March 18, 2021
"The V2Mom framework helps us align our personal and company values effectively."
Kim Holt Emma Wylds Pearl Koppenhaver Maisee XiongA Salesforce Panel Discussion on Values-Driven DesignOps
September 8, 2022
"When you experience problems with different disciplines, keep Sturgeon's biases in mind."
Adrian HowardSturgeon’s Biases
September 25, 2024
"Good time zone everyone."
Asia HoePartnering with Product: A Journey from Junior to Senior Design
November 29, 2023
