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Summary
There are two ways for organizations to grow: organically (i.e., through internal development) or inorganically (i.e., through mergers and acquisitions.) In this session, Jorge Arango discusses how designers can help their organizations grow inorganically. We cover design's role in creating a whole that's greater than the sum of its parts and learn three "plays" to help us chart a path towards more cohesive product experiences.
Key Insights
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Mergers and acquisitions often lead to cultural clashes that can complicate integration efforts.
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Design can play a crucial role in addressing the challenges posed by merging distinct organizational cultures.
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Successful inorganic growth requires effective communication and a shared vision between acquired teams.
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Confusing product portfolios can emerge from overlapping functionalities or vague distinctions between products post-acquisition.
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Designers can synthesize information, bridging conceptual gaps and aligning language between teams.
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The ability to facilitate meaningful discussions is vital for aligning team efforts and achieving coherence.
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Conceptual modeling aids in clarifying relationships and user tasks before diving into screen-level design artifacts.
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Leadership plays a critical role in supporting successful integration while design can provide tools and frameworks to aid this process.
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There is often a struggle between top-down and bottom-up decision-making that needs balance during integration.
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Cultural integration is as important as product integration, affecting overall organizational success.
Notable Quotes
"Inorganic growth can expand an organization’s offerings quickly but often leads to chaos in practice."
"Design can alleviate the confusion caused by merging teams by creating more coherent user experiences."
"Cultural integration is crucial because culture eats strategy for breakfast."
"The challenges of mergers are not just engineering challenges but are deeply rooted in cultural and organizational dynamics."
"A shared sense of purpose can significantly ease the integration process post-acquisition."
"Design projects can act as catalysts for difficult conversations that need to happen within organizations."
"Effective communication structures and aligned incentives are necessary for successful integration."
"Vision types serve to expand the boundaries of what an organization can achieve in a merger context."
"Conceptual modeling helps teams focus on user tasks and avoid contradictions in the system."
"Design is not just about making products usable; it can also help realize strategic objectives in times of rapid change."
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