Design Ops: driving growth through streamlined creativity

4-Jun-2023

Hey there, design enthusiasts! Let's dive into the exciting world of Design Operations (DesignOps) and discover how it's changing the game in driving growth and unlocking the full potential of creativity within organisations.

So, what exactly is DesignOps?

Well, it's like the conductor of an orchestra, orchestrating and optimising the people, processes, and craft to amplify the value and impact of design at scale. Imagine a well-oiled machine where the design team operates with high efficiency, and low friction, and generates jaw-dropping design outputs.

What is NOT DesingOps?

Hold on a sec, DesignOps is not about adding more frameworks and drowning everyone in bureaucracy. It's about suggesting, proposing, and getting everyone on board with fantastic ideas.

It's not about micromanaging either; it's more like being the go-to superhero who listens to feedback, addresses concerns, and brings better systems to the table.

And no, DesignOps doesn't take charge of individual projects. Instead, it provides a bird's-eye view, making sure there's consistency and harmony across the design universe.

What are the responsibilities?

It's all about coordinating processes and tools, developing a design-oriented culture, and integrating design into the heart of the organisational strategy. It's like equipping designers with superpowers, enabling them to deliver mind-blowing designs.

And guess what? DesignOps fosters relationships between teams, raising awareness of design team goals and methods, and bringing everyone together in a design extravaganza.

What skills are required?

Well, first of all, you need the power of self-esteem fueled by extensive research. Knowledge is your weapon, and you'll use it to find the right tools and empower your team members. Once you've armed yourself with knowledge, you'll unleash a tidal wave of benefits for everyone involved. You'll simplify processes, slash task durations, and make everyone's lives easier. It's a win-win situation for the design team and all the other interested parties.

What about the long term?

DesignOps isn't just about short-term success; it's all about long-term strategic vision. You'll define problems and goals before jumping into solutions like a mastermind detective. And as a true superhero, you'll balance the need for continuous evolution with the human need for stability. It's like having one foot in the future and the other in the present, keeping your organisation ahead of the curve while maintaining a sense of stability.

“DesignOps is like glue: you notice it's not there when things start falling apart.” - Inayaili León (design program manager @ github) at the Config conf in 2022.

Benefits of having DesignOps on board

So, what are the perks of having DesignOps in your corner? DesignOps strengthens collaboration, acting as a bridge that connects different teams and departments within your organisation. Say goodbye to silos and hello to seamless communication, improved efficiency, and a shared sense of purpose.

…Oh, and guess what? DesignOps eliminates the obstacles that bog down our creative superheroes—product designers. They'll be free to unleash their creativity and design exceptional user experiences while leaving inefficient workflows and inconsistent design systems in the dust.

But that's not all! DesignOps is a growth driver. It aligns design and business goals, ensuring that every design decision contributes directly to your organisation's strategic objectives. It's like infusing design thinking into the DNA of your company, resulting in a customer-centric approach and a competitive advantage. With DesignOps, you'll hit the market faster, leave customers dazzled, and watch your business grow.

A healthy example

Picture this: at our company, we assembled a dream team of design superheroes from all corners of the world. We transitioned from a lone designer model to a collaborative powerhouse, where each design role has its own responsibilities. Our product design team is unstoppable, self-motivated, and doesn't need constant guidance. Instead, DesignOps steps in to provide support, encouragement, and a constant flow of potential improvements. It's like a creative haven where we're always pushing boundaries and delivering awe-inspiring designs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, DesignOps is the ultimate secret weapon for organisations aiming to unlock the full potential of creativity and achieve outstanding growth. By enhancing collaboration, eliminating obstacles, and infusing design into the core of your strategy, DesignOps will take your organisation to new heights. So, embrace DesignOps, become a design superhero, and let the world witness the magic of creativity and growth like never before.

>>> Special thanks to Jonathan Gall.