Org Design for Design Orgs: Building and Managing In-House Design Teams

by Peter Merholz

A weekly meeting for the design organization should have these three elements: News and information from the rest of the company These days, most company news is presented in email or all-hands meetings. Within the design organization meeting, leadership can provide further context for this news and information, highlighting what’s specifically pertinent to the design team. Leadership then solicits feedback to be shared with other company leadership. News and information about the design organization As the design organization grows, team members no longer “just know” everything that’s going on within the team. The weekly meeting serves as a formal means to share such updates. Of particular interest will be any open headcount, and how recruiting and hiring is going for those positions. This also serves as an appropriate time for team members to share high points (successful launches, positive external feedback) and challenges (blockers to doing great work, issues with tools and processes). Be careful that these meetings don’t turn into pity parties — it’s easy for the sharing of challenges to devolve into unproductive griping and moaning. If genuine concerns are raised that are worth addressing, note them, make it clear that they will be addressed outside the meeting, and share updates at subsequent meetings. Show work, discuss a topic, share inspiration A design team meeting without some engagement in the work feels lifeless and bureaucratic. The nature of what is shared ...