A Monday doodle/wish list from a few years back about the makings for an ideal design leadership role. Still true.
Good wish list to have in hand when you’re considering an offer or taking a peek behind the organizational curtain.
- You don’t need to sell the benefits of user experience design. Instead you’re talking about how to measure the benefits.
- You have support from above and below (internally and externally).
- You report into someone who’s got your back and your organization may not understand exactly what you do but they respect your recommendations and advocate for it.
- You have your own budget to work with…to build the team’s expertise, career development, get the right tools and equipment etc…
- Design is invited to all key meetings (without needing to wrangle an invite).
- Design is expected to contribute to all strategy sessions.
- You don’t have to use the same old tools everytime — you’re encouraged to explore new options.
- You’re given opportunities to innovate — whether it’s process, technique, or product…or D) All of the Above.
- User experience design is integrated into the development process.
- Marketing understands what user experience design does and where there are similarities, affinities and differences.