Over the past 4 years, our world has undergone significant changes. The pandemic has brought not only illness but also fear. We have feared contagion, loss, and being in the presence of others. As time went on, we even developed a fear of being alone and, ironically, a fear of being with others again simply because we have forgotten how to socialize.
Working from home has pushed us to discover our personal limits and forced us to redefine our routines. This has had both positive and negative impacts on our well-being. Loneliness has become more prevalent, leading to increased cases of depression and anxiety.
When it comes to leading teams and hiring new talent, we have encountered obstacles. Many companies have entered panic mode due to the recession and have stopped hiring. Consequently, there have been numerous layoffs, with more than 400,000 people affected in the past 2 years.
Lastly, Generative Artificial Intelligence has emerged. While it excites many of us, it also raises concerns and leaves others with doubts.
It is a daunting situation because, above all, we are designers but also humans. And there are two things that humans fear the most: change and uncertainty.
An African proverb says:
If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.
This proverb serves as a relevant reminder for the topics we are about to discuss.
As leaders, we quickly learn that our greatest asset is the people we work with and lead. Therefore, it is crucial that we prioritize taking care of our people.
In challenging situations like the ones we have just mentioned, we often find ourselves burdened. We carry a heavy weight with us when we come to work. As leaders, we cannot change the reality we are immersed in. However, we can contribute in ways that refocus our attention on what brings us purpose, joy, fulfillment, or whatever we seek in our work.
In this edition, we will explore five tools that enhance both the quality of design and the quality of life for our teams. These tools are Design Duos, Internal and External Communities, and Internal and External Mentorships. The best part is that they can be combined in any way you prefer, and they are effective for teams and organizations of all sizes.
Design Duos can be found in agencies, startups, and product teams, and they are particularly effective during the discovery and ideation stages.
By implementing Design Duos, we can enhance both the quality of design and the well-being of designers. Designers feel less isolated compared to when they are embedded in a scrum team. These duos create a virtuous cycle of feedback from multiple perspectives. In teams that operate in dual-track mode, you can begin with the duo during the discovery phase and then divide their roles, with one person focusing on discovery and the other on delivery.
Design Duos are ideal for long-term or highly complex projects.
As mentioned previously, they can be dismantled and reassembled.
They are highly effective for fostering creativity, promoting innovation, and strengthening teams.