Scaling and developing a
design team

Maturation and Development for Strategic Impact

Project Overview

Objective:

The Challenge and Vision:
My main challenge as a Design Leader was to make the work of the design team more strategic and grow the design maturity in the company.

Strategic Solutions and Implementation: To address these challenges, we implemented several key initiatives:

  1. Role Clarity: Clearly defined responsibilities for each team member, ensuring an understanding of their place in the design process and eliminating confusion.

  2. Introduction of Design Rituals: Established a design critique process to elevate the quality of execution. We integrated company metrics and KPIs into daily routines, enabling data-driven decision-making and performance tracking.

  3. Feedback Mechanism and Individual Growth Plans: Instituted a structured feedback process, providing team members with constructive critiques to hone their skills. Individual development plans were crafted for each designer, outlining their growth trajectory and keeping them engaged.

Impact and Results: The transformation was striking. Within just six months, the design team at Easynvest ascended to new heights:

  • Enhanced Strategic Involvement: Designers became active participants in product decision-making, sometimes even taking the lead in product development contexts.

  • Skill Development and Strategic Thinking: The team members not only acquired new skills but also developed a more strategic mindset, enhancing their contribution to the company.

  • Improved Communication and Collaboration: There was a notable improvement in how the design team communicated and collaborated with other departments, fostering a more integrated and efficient work environment.

At Easynvest, Brazil's leading digital investment broker, the design team was known for its strong culture but faced significant challenges. There was a lack of clarity in roles and insufficient involvement in the product design process, leading to subpar execution quality and missed opportunities.

As the Design Leader, I confronted the challenge of elevating the design team's strategic role and enhancing the company's design maturity. Collaborating with the Product Director, we crafted a vision for the product's future, pinpointing the skills needed within the design team and greenlighting new hires.

Company: Easynvest
Role: UX Design Manager
Year: 2020