Design Teams & Leadership

Staffing Designers for Success: Using the Visionary, Cultivator, and Architect Archetypes Assigning designers to projects that align with their strengths is essential for project success and team morale. Borrowing a model from the world of sales and adapting it for design, I’ve found that categorizing designers into three archetypes—Visionaries, Cultivators, and Architects—helps managers better match...

Helping Designers Thrive: A Guide for Design Managers and Executives In the design world, it’s clear: managers and executives are uniquely positioned to empower their teams, driving both personal and professional growth. Yet, the approach varies, with some leaders falling short or offering limited guidance. Exceptional design managers, however, consistently prioritize developing their designers, providing...

Culture is more than just an abstract concept; it’s the foundation that holds teams and companies together. It’s the difference between a thriving, happy workplace and one that feels toxic and draining. In a world where flashy perks like ping pong tables, beer fridges, and sleek offices are often confused for culture, it’s time to...