Audrey Crane, a partner at DesignMap and author of 'What CEOs Need to Know About Design,' delves into the vital role of design in today’s organizations. She discusses the shift from individual expression to user-centered problem-solving in design. Audrey highlights the necessity for better communication between designers and CEOs, while also exploring the intimacy required in research discussions. She emphasizes balancing internal and external resources in design teams, especially post-pandemic, to drive innovation and address organizational challenges.
Read more
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
auto_awesome
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
Design is crucial for business success, yet many executives struggle to grasp its specific contributions to their objectives.
Building internal design teams enhances ongoing project expertise while allowing organizations to effectively collaborate with external consultants.
Deep dives
The Importance of Design in Business
Design is increasingly recognized as a vital component in driving business success, especially for CEOs and organizational leaders. Many executives, although tech-savvy, often struggle to understand how design specifically contributes to their business objectives. This gap in knowledge highlights the need for resources that explain design's value beyond technical jargon, particularly for decision-makers who need to apply design thoughtfully within their companies. The ongoing conversation emphasizes that a deeper understanding of design can lead to better collaboration between designers and business leaders, ultimately enhancing organizational outcomes.
Evolving Roles of Design Teams
The makeup of design teams within organizations is witnessing a transformation, with a growing trend toward building internal design functions rather than solely relying on external consultants. This approach allows companies to maintain in-house expertise that is crucial for ongoing projects, while still leveraging the fresh perspectives that external partners can provide. Internal teams not only understand the unique cultural and contextual challenges of their organization but can also guide external consultants in achieving goals more effectively. The synergy between internal and external design resources can optimize creativity and efficiency, addressing the evolving demands of modern businesses.
Value of Research in Design
Research plays a critical role in shaping successful design outcomes, as it generates insights that can lead to innovative products and improved user experiences. The act of engaging in design research not only helps clarify user needs but also fosters a deeper understanding of market trends and user behaviors. This understanding can shift organizational culture from adversarial to collaborative, aligning teams toward common goals with shared knowledge. In an age where user interaction is increasingly virtual, leveraging research can lead to designs that resonate more meaningfully with diverse audiences, thereby enhancing overall product success.
My guest today is Audrey Crane. Audrey is a partner in DesignMap, a UX strategy and digital product design consultancy based in San Francisco. Audrey recently published a book called What CEOs Need to Know About Design, and in this conversation, we talk about the evolving role of design in organizations and why this book is needed now.