UX MANAGEMENT APPROACH

A light touch that drives quality and results

Over the years I've crafted a low touch UX management approach focused on fostering an environment where designers feel empowered, can focus on iteration and experimentation, leverage quantitative and qualitative data to focus their designs, and have the breathing room to grow and embrace their passions.

As a result, I have consistently had high-performing teams with high employee satisfaction scores.

I have built and managed full stack User Experience teams ranging in size from 5-20 designers, that have included the core disciplines of Product Design, User Research, Content Design, Design Ops, and Design System. My experience includes managing designers at all levels from entry level to Director.

I also have experience leading teams and cross functional efforts related to Brand Refresh and Adoption, and Creative Studio execution.

MANAGEMENT TOOLS

I have experimented with many different ways to provide oversight without being overbearing and landed on the following ceremonies based on multiple failures and feedback from my design teams.

WEEKLY DESIGN STAND UPS

A critical ceremony for my teams is the weekly Design Standup. We spend 15 mins each Monday morning sharing what will be tackled during the week, if there are any impacts to other designers, and if there are any blockers.

STUDIO TIME

On a weekly basis, the team meets for 90 minutes to share current design work, provide and receive feedback, and practice their presentation and storytelling skills.

BI-MONTHLY COACHING

As an extension of both stand ups and studio, I have bi-monthly scheduled coaching sessions with my team. During these 1 on 1 sessions we delve deeper into project status to unblock or resolve issues, and use this for direct coaching.

AGILE DESIGN INTEGRATION

I coach my designers and their squads on different Agile + UX integration methods. We assess the team norms to determine the best way to integrate design into each team's Agile process.

OFFICE HOURS

I try to keep Office Hours on a regular basis to foster off cycle and one off conversations with my designers. It is critical to have this organic forum to uncover issues and provide ad hoc mentoring.

Job Definitions & Growth Plans

To foster career growth and performance expectations, I establish detailed Job Families defining role expectations. I then work with each member of my team to create a growth roadmap that leverages their strengths and targets areas of improvement.