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

by Peter Merholz

While there is no One Best Design Culture, there is a set of values that are common among strong design teams: Collaboration and support Our challenges are too big for any one person to take on. Collaboration is key to success, and when team members are challenged, designers pitch in for one another. Respect for maker time While collaboration is essential, it’s not the only thing. As craftspeople, designers need blocks of “maker time,” being able to work without distraction. Give and take critique with grace To get to the best quality output, team members must feel comfortable providing candid critique, without fear that it will hurt another’s feelings and damage relationships. People giving the critique must do so respectfully.[24] Inclusivity Great ideas and input can come from anyone, regardless of experience, title, or background. Strong teams encourage this broad engagement, making sure that every voice is heard. Establish and uphold quality Every design team is measured by the quality of their work, and it’s the responsibility of those teams to define quality. It’s about the work, not the ego Designers put a lot of themselves in their work, and can become wrapped up in the quality of their ideas. A strong design culture recognizes this personal investment, but also acknowledges that the work, the result, is what is paramount, not any individual’s ego. Having clear values and purposes that individuals and teams align to means that everyone understands when a team take...