Blog Posts
Managing remote design teams
Managing a design team remotely can present unique challenges, but with the right strategies in place, it can also be an incredibly effective way to work.
Here are some tips for managing a remote design team:
Clearly communicate expectations and goals.
Use the right tools.
Set up regular check-ins.
Encourage open communication.
Provide support and resources.
Clearly communicate expectations and goals
Make sure that everyone on the team knows what is expected of them and what the goals of the project are. This can help prevent misunderstandings and ensure that everyone is on the same page.
Use the right tools
There are many tools available to help remote teams communicate and collaborate effectively. Some popular options include video conferencing software, project management tools, and design collaboration platforms.
Set up regular check-ins
Whether it's a daily stand-up meeting or a weekly check-in, it's important to have regular touchpoints with your team to discuss progress, address any issues, and ensure that everyone is on track.
Encourage open communication
It's essential to create an open and transparent environment where team members feel comfortable asking questions and sharing ideas. This can help to foster a sense of teamwork and collaboration, even when team members are not physically together.
Provide support and resources
Make sure your team has the resources and support they need to be successful. This could include providing access to training and development opportunities, as well as giving team members the tools and equipment they need to do their jobs effectively.
Overall, managing a remote design team requires strong communication, effective use of technology, and a commitment to supporting team members. With the right strategies in place, it’s possible to build a successful and productive remote design team.
Action Design Radio looking for new producer
Zach Simon is stepping down as the producer of Action Design Radio. Zach has been involved with the Action Design Network (ADN) since 2015 and eventually becoming lead organizer for the Chicago ADN city chapter. Since the launch of the podcast in 2017, Zach has produced nearly 40 episodes with hosts Erik and Zarak. Episodes have covered a wide diversity of guests and topics, with a reach of over 45,000 downloads. Erik and Zarak are consummate professionals, dependable partners, and great friends. Together they have covered a myriad of behavioral science topics—both mainstream, or niche—and turned them into personable, entertaining, and educational conversations.
If you or someone you know has an interest, and experience with podcast production or sound/media editing, please let us know!
We’ll set up some time to explore the opportunity for some further development and exposure. We’re excited to see where a producer with a fresh voice and unique perspective may be able to help Erik and Zarak take the podcast into new areas of creativity and success.
Building relationships to support a design practice
To further build a design practice within an enterprise setting, it is vital to establish strong partnerships and relationships with key stakeholders within the organization. This could include working closely with business leaders, product managers, and other cross-functional teams to identify areas for design innovation and to align the design practice with the overall goals and strategy of the organization.
It’s also essential to build a strong external network of design professionals and experts in order to stay informed about industry trends and best practices and seek out new ideas and inspiration. Participating in design conferences, joining professional organizations, or collaborating with design agencies or consulting firms are all ways to approach it.
Another key aspect of building a design practice is to establish a culture of experimentation and risk-taking. Encourage your team to prototype and test new ideas, as well as to embrace failures and learn from them. Works towards establishing a culture of continuous learning and improvement by providing opportunities for team members to develop their skills and knowledge and encouraging them to seek out new challenges and experiences.
Communicating the value and impact of the design practice to key stakeholders within the organization is essential. Share success stories and case studies. Track and measure the impact of your design practice on key business metrics such as customer satisfaction, retention, and revenue.
Building a design practice within an enterprise setting requires solid partnerships and relationships, a robust external network, a culture of experimentation and risk-taking, and a focus on continuous learning and improvement. By following these principles, organizations can effectively build and sustain a design practice that drives innovation and delivers value to the business.
