Defining Design Management

Exploring an under-rated superpower

Mayuri Yadav, Design Manager

As a budding design manager, I have experienced both the joys and challenges of leading a team. Initially, I found myself missing some aspects of being an individual contributor and creating designs. While navigating various teams and providing solutions is relevant, it may not be suitable for everyone.

Design management aims to bridge the gap between business and user experience. A design manager is responsible for overseeing a design team, interacting with other leaders to establish the organization's UX strategy, specifying the UX engagement model, and predicting the direction of the UX industry.

However, there are a few things that need to be done to effectively perform that role. Let's explore these aspects:

Mentor Teams

Mentoring is not only about teaching techniques and crafts to designers; the emphasis should be more on developing the next generation of design leaders. For that, discussions should cover areas such as design strategy, soft skills, stakeholder management, and fostering a growth mindset.

Aspire for Quality & Standards

Quality and standards are considered core principles behind a product’s success. Be a quality gatekeeper and ensure that standards are followed.

Establish a Design Culture

Design is not just about dealing with deliverables. The greatest need is to create a cohesive and collaborative working environment, keeping design at the forefront of everything.

Set Up a Design Culture

Reinforce the idea that design is not just about deliverables. The primary focus is on creating a cohesive and collaborative working environment, placing design at the forefront of all activities.

However, it may not always be the right path for you as a designer. So, how do you test it out?

• You want to scale your impact beyond yourself.

• You love helping people grow and do their best work.

• You’re deeply empathetic and a strong communicator.

Try working with your manager to take on a low-risk opportunity, such as managing an intern or contractor. This is a great way to learn the basics of management while allowing for a graceful exit if you find that managing just isn’t for you.

Adopt a broader view of Design, and you can keep designing, utilizing design software with upgrades. As a manager, your deliverables are happy employees, successful designers, high-performing teams, and impact on our product experience and overall business trajectory. So, you’ll never stop designing — it’s just that your design challenges and deliverables will evolve.

Mar, 2023