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Summary
Ask any design leader and the word scale is most definitely a part of their job description. In this session, Jacqui Frey, Senior Director of Design Operations at Mailchimp, will share her successes and failures with scaling design through DesignOps. Scale requires something greater than determination in order to navigate an organization through change. It requires the power of the community. Social sciences like social theory, flow, chaos theory, and Adlerian psychology reveal key understandings to ensure impactful co-existing in large communities, especially those who require intentional social change. And if there is one thing you can count on in Design, it is change.
Key Insights
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Scaling design operations is akin to social work, focusing on human relationships.
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Emotional intelligence is crucial for design leaders to navigate organizational dynamics.
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Building systems that work requires understanding the needs of all stakeholders involved.
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Empathy and collaboration lead to a more effective organization.
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Design Ops helps create an environment where creativity can thrive by reducing friction in processes.
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Documenting workflows and adopting a consultancy mindset can bridge gaps between design and other departments.
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The importance of system thinking in design operations can help in tackling complex challenges effectively.
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Leaders must help their teams feel supported and understood to foster motivation and productivity.
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The design team should act as 'Switzerland', promoting collaboration across opposing departments during conflicts.
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It's important to validate experiences and advocate for design's role in achieving organizational goals.
Notable Quotes
"We need each other more than ever."
"I love spreadsheets and budgets and I love design."
"Design Ops brings the joy back into design."
"It's more about an abundant mindset than a scarcity mindset."
"Do you want to reconcile the budget every month or do you want me to handle that?"
"Design Ops is far more than just task completion; it's about solving for the long run."
"If you're a designer today, expect constant change in how we define the role."
"Think about the greater conversations when you're in a design ops role."
"It’s important to remove egos and understand we're here in service of the customer."
"Document everything in language that everyone can understand, not just design speak."
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