Imagine a hectic restaurant where each chef works independently, using their own techniques and ingredients without coordination. There is no standard procedure for managing supplies, updating the menu or arranging seating, which leads to delays and inconsistent dishes. The lack of organization makes for an unpredictable and often disappointing dining experience.
Now imagine the same scenario where there are systems in place for handling supplies, updating menus, coordinating seating, and defining waitstaff responsibilities. The chefs follow a standardized recipe guide, so the kitchen operates smoothly, and orders are fulfilled efficiently, and it results in a consistent and enjoyable dining experience for customers. Everything behind the scenes works seamlessly to deliver a high-quality experience to every guest.
That’s what Design Operations, or “Design Ops”, does for software development—it helps product teams produce high-quality and consistent experiences. But what is it exactly and how is it a game changer?
What is Design Ops?
It’s a set of standards
Design Ops introduces standardized processes to make sure that every design task follows best practices and aligns with the company’s goals.
Consider a scenario in which an insurance software company develops an online platform for policy management. Design Ops could mean a centralized design system containing reusable UI components and template libraries. This would allow designers to leverage existing components, patterns, and templates and developers to reuse existing code. It would also ensure the look and feel of the new platform are consistent with their other software products.
Design components such as forms, buttons, and navigation menus can be reused across different insurance products, such as a claims processing system and a policy renewal platform. This not only saves design time but also ensures that users have a consistent experience whether they are filing a claim or renewing a policy.
It’s advocating for design
Design Ops also advocates for designers to have access to the best tools for their work, which boosts productivity and the quality of their output. For instance, by using specific tools to create prototypes like Figma, a software company can quickly develop and test new features like an automated claims interface. Tools for usability testing allow designers to gather real-time feedback from end users such as insurance agents and policyholders, so that designers can create user-friendly and intuitive interfaces.
It’s making the best use of a diverse team
Design Ops allows each person to shine and contribute to the product in an impactful way by identifying and leveraging each team member’s strengths, and clearly defining each person’s responsibilities. Of course, it’s no use to have a team of people who don’t talk to each other. Design Ops establishes clear communication channels and times for team members to collaborate, such as design reviews and scrum ceremonies, so that each role can support each other. The Design Ops role will typically be the one to track a project’s progress and status, making sure all team members are aware and on the same page about the project’s goal.
It’s continuous improvement
Design Ops fosters continuous improvement by establishing regular feedback loops and refining workflows. In retrospective meetings, or “retros” for short, teams reflect on successes and identify bottlenecks in their current processes. The feedback is then documented and shared so that teams can build on past experiences and work towards more efficient and collaborative workflows.
Design Ops is indispensable
Overall, Design Ops is a transformative approach for software development. By producing quality teams, we can reliably create quality products and repeatable successes. As the industry evolves, Design Ops will continue to be a crucial element in fostering innovation and maintaining a competitive edge. Embracing Design Ops means committing to excellence, collaboration, and continuous growth, ensuring that both the team and the products they create can thrive in a rapidly changing landscape.