Summary
The talk involved a panel discussion where experts, including Jackie and Dan, addressed various audience questions regarding design operations and user experience in organizations, particularly those involving civic tech and corporate environments. Jackie discussed her experiences expanding her design team, stressing the importance of transforming design roles from visual to experience design. Dan shared insights about selling design processes to organizations, emphasizing a pragmatic approach that involves understanding stakeholder needs. The conversation highlighted challenges such as integrating new teams, educating stakeholders about design value, and fostering a culture of collaborative problem-solving. The importance of patience and adaptability in achieving successful design outcomes was also underscored throughout the discussion.
Key Insights
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Jackie's mantra for male chimps: 'Listen hard, change fast.'
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Design transformation requires thorough integration between design, technology, and business operations.
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Success in design operations often comes from building meaningful relationships with stakeholders.
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Design must be accessible and relevant to the evolving needs of a community.
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Anecdotal evidence can sometimes be more impactful than metrics in conveying success.
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Growing design teams necessitates careful planning around roles and responsibilities.
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Empathy is crucial in navigating conflicts and fostering collaboration within teams.
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Achievements in design are often the result of patience and collective understanding.
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It's essential to align design goals with the overall mission of the organization.
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Selling design requires flexibility and attentiveness to the unique needs of each stakeholder.
Notable Quotes
"The systems are not in place, and it's about adapting to what you have."
"You're always better when you connect what you're doing to what they've expressed they need."
"If you think this is going to work for you, I'm going to help you solve this."
"We're humans having human experiences."
"This is a game of patience and collective understanding."
"You have to remember that sometimes it’s not the right time for the best ideas."
"Design is about connecting with users and stakeholders at every level."
"The way to show impact is through persistent case studies and tangible results."
"Friction often leads to the most significant transformations in design processes."
"We need to empathize with other people’s experiences and challenges."
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