Summary
Jason will share the latest of his work over the past decade developing visual frameworks for design teams, leaders and designers to map their skills and define their future professional development. Through his role as a team leader, and with workshops he runs with the community and his clients, he has seen how valuable it is for designers to self-reflect on who they are, and project the areas in which they feel like they should develop. Whether that’s within, or beyond the context of the organization in which they work.
Key Insights
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Innovative methods are needed for designer career development, moving beyond traditional spreadsheets.
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Self-reflection using visual tools can significantly engage designers in their personal growth.
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Empathy for stakeholders is crucial; designers need to develop interpersonal skills alongside technical expertise.
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Career timelines help visualize emotional highs and lows against levels of seniority.
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Mapping skills across diverse categories aids in identifying gaps and aligning team development needs.
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Workshops can facilitate open discussions around skills, enhancing team dynamics and communication.
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Personal growth fosters retention; organizations can focus on internal development opportunities.
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Having a structured approach can clarify job roles, helping to attract suitable candidates.
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Engagement in career development exercises can be enjoyable and insightful, making the process less daunting.
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Creating a culture of support and open communication is vital for professional growth in design teams.
Notable Quotes
"Designers rarely spend the time to self-reflect, yet they find it useful."
"The tangible skills still dominate, but the softer human qualities matter more."
"Organizations can help in self-development, reducing reliance on external training."
"Using visual tools engages designers better in their self-reflection."
"We need to map where people are and project where they want to be."
"Soft skills are just as important as technical skills in the design process."
"Designers are passionate but often fragile; sensitivity should be considered in team engagements."
"We can find ways to do more human solutions for our design teams."
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