Leadership By Design 2022

We'll open the doors a little early and let folks in. Sometimes, we have surprises, sometimes, we play music, sometimes it's a little quiet. Get there a little early to be ready for kick-off!

Announcements and gratitude, schedule for the day, and general information about the event.

Designers are in-demand more than ever and we need to be equitable and creative in how we solve our hiring challenges. Learn how Wendy built inclusive entry level design programs with Amazon’s UX Apprenticeship, Publicis’ Early Careers, and at early stage startups—and how you can build the next generation of equitable design teams.

15 minute break.

The goal of yoga accessibility is to create physical practice spaces and experiences that are safe, diverse, equitable, and inclusive for all. But for some, such as those in larger or differently abled bodies, or those in marginalized communities, access to the foundational practices of yoga—breathwork, meditation, and asana—remains out of reach.

And so it is with digital spaces.

The work we do in digital information spaces is key to bringing digital experiences to life. How might we apply lessons learned from yoga accessibility to create safe digital spaces that are open to a diverse population, and that are equitable and inclusive for all?

In this session, we will cover:

Holding space: Refocus your listening to identify and become present with a diverse user base.
Inquiry: Ask three simple questions to help zero in on user needs, and to facilitate information wayfinding.
Sequencing: Use structure and flow to build engaging experiences.
Variations: Learn how modifications and variations invite belonging and prevent “othering.”
Non-attachment: Release preconceived notions, prejudgement, and biases to move beyond diversity to normalization.
This talk will appeal to UX practitioners seeking creative ways to incorporate accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion in a unique and relatable way.

15 minute break.

Emily did a select poetry reading, including a specially-created poem just for the event.

15 minute break.

One of the biggest challenges to retaining employees is the lack of value or growth they perceive in their current position. To solve this, design leaders need to provide a clear understanding and path for career advancement that is based on outcomes and objective skills. This means designing a system centered around a growth based mindset which:

1. Defines job descriptions that are skill and outcome based rather than based on subjective qualifications
2. Establishes a Career Progression Framework with team roles aligned around defined outcomes and professional growth based on individual needs and learning styles.

Pairing these two concepts together helps leaders that manage teams large or small, made up of specialist or generalists, or teams that are just getting started or have been established for some time. In the ever changing world of employee retention and workplace dynamics, design leaders can help position your teams for future growth and meet your designers where they are at to better layout what kind of future they want.

15 minute break.

You’ve been promoted, you have the role you’ve been working towards for the last 2-5 years in design leadership. Now, what do you do?

Mags Hanley will take you through the four main decisions to establish your ‘right’ design leadership; your leadership style, the most effective projects to focus on, recruitment, and strategic relationships.