Greg Petroff, a celebrated executive design leader known for his work at GE, Google, and Cisco, discusses the evolving landscape of design. He emphasizes the importance of a 'Possibilitarian' mindset for designers facing industry challenges. The conversation dives into adaptive thinking and playful experimentation as keys to fostering innovation. Greg also addresses the impact of AI on design practices, advocating for intentional user-focused strategies. His insights encourage designers to embrace new ventures and engage more actively in shaping the future.
Designers can leverage 'Possibilitarianism' to creatively explore multiple ideas and learn from mistakes, enhancing their problem-solving capabilities.
Due to industry shifts and the rise of AI tools, designers must develop diverse skills beyond traditional methodologies to remain relevant.
Deep dives
The Role of Design in Creating Futures
Designers are uniquely positioned to address problems and envision the future through a framework known as 'Possibilitarianism.' This concept emphasizes adaptive thinking, where designers generate multiple ideas and keep them alive through the design process. They utilize making as a method of knowing, allowing them to learn from their mistakes and uncover new opportunities along the way. By juxtaposing unrelated concepts, designers can synthesize new ideas that are pivotal in shaping successful outcomes.
The Current Landscape of Design in Business
The design community is experiencing a mix of growth and frustration due to recent industry shifts. There's a notable rise in the number of design leadership roles and teams, creating value for their organizations. However, the shift from growth-focused hiring to prioritizing profits has led to downsizing, causing unease among designers who are navigating a more competitive job market. Despite these challenges, the overall position of designers in the business world has improved significantly compared to past years.
Impact of AI and New Tools on Design
Recent advancements in AI and design tools like Figma have transformed how teams collaborate and work efficiently. While these tools expedite the building process, they also raise questions about the intentionality behind what products should be created. Designers are encouraged to engage in the overarching decisions about product features and customer needs rather than merely focusing on the aesthetics of design. This paradigm shift emphasizes the necessity for designers to adopt a more strategic approach, highlighting what to build and why it matters.
Skills for Future Designers
Aspiring designers must adapt by acquiring diverse skills that extend beyond traditional design methodologies. Understanding user research, business outcomes, and effective collaboration techniques are paramount for addressing the complexities of contemporary design challenges. Designers should also embrace making as a tool for clarity in team discussions and decision-making processes. By fostering adaptability and a willingness to engage in cross-functional conversations, designers can enhance their relevance and effectiveness in the evolving landscape.
Greg Petroff is a renowned executive design leader. He’s built and led design teams for companies like GE, Google, Compass, and Cisco. In this conversation, we discuss the state of design and how designers can have more relevance in today’s changing environment.