Summary
Re-orgs are inevitable, where the first pain point people encounter is terminology clash. It may feel trite to discuss labels when there are bigger issues to tackle, except that words matter. Words represent processes, methodologies, philosophies, and our values. In this talk I’ll share our story of two multi-disciplinary design teams merging into one. Our pain points, and the exercises we used to break down barriers and create a new team framework for talking with each other about what we really do. Learn how to lead your team from affinity diagram to building a bespoke skills wheel self-assessment.
Key Insights
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Words in design matter significantly; they shape communication and understanding.
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Communication breakdowns can stall progress in teams, especially with diverse backgrounds.
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An affinity diagram helps build a common language among team members.
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Engaging everyone in defining roles can mitigate defensive reactions.
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Creating concrete artifacts from abstract concepts fosters effective dialogue.
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Removing contentious labels can facilitate more open communication.
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Individual reflections using collaborative tools can promote vulnerability and encourage growth.
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Shared ownership of team frameworks leads to stronger collaboration.
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Visualizing skills within a team can aid in personal development discussions.
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It's crucial to focus on dialogue rather than just creating appealing diagrams.
Notable Quotes
"I started explaining what a prototype is in the world of user experience design."
"We were spending that time defending the meaning of words rather than discussing the content of the work."
"The thing is words matter."
"We had to take a pause, take off our shoes, and treat that blister."
"Words are how we express our values and philosophies."
"We gathered all our things and found their affinities."
"Before we started, we banned words like designer and prototype."
"It was a profound moment for him; it was the first time he saw the team working together."
"It's not about the diagram. It's about the dialogue."
"We broke down and rebuilt our understanding of what we do together."
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