our design philosophy: beyond the interface
At Make.org, design isn’t just about creating interfaces; it’s about solving complex problems with purpose and vision. As Head of Design, I emphasize design as a strategic tool that aligns cross-functional teams, bridges user needs with business goals, and ultimately drives impact. Design serves as the backbone of product development, providing a shared language to align stakeholders and create meaningful, user-centered experiences.
Guiding Principles: Craft, Clarity, and Collaboration
Our team operates on key principles:
- Crafting with Passion and CareWe design with intention, ensuring each experience is seamless, enjoyable, and purpose-driven. Our passion is evident in every detail, aiming to exceed user expectations and foster memorable interactions.
- Simplifying Complexity for ClaritySimplicity isn’t just aesthetics; it’s a commitment to highlighting what truly matters for users. By stripping away the unessential, we create interfaces that are clear, intuitive, and minimize cognitive load, making every interaction effortless.
- Team Work, Diverse Perspectives, Shared KnowledgeOur design process thrives on inclusivity and teamwork. We value each team member’s unique background and encourage sharing knowledge, whether through quick syncs on Discord or team brainstorming sessions. Diversity empowers us to approach challenges from multiple angles.
- Embracing Iteration and LearningIn a fast-paced, agile environment, we value experimentation and aren’t afraid to be wrong. Design is a process of continuous learning, so we iterate, adapt, and adjust based on real-world feedback, staying agile and responsive to user needs.
- Prioritizing Structure and OrganizationOrganization underpins our process. We plan meticulously, track all feedback, and document systematically to ensure every team member has clarity and direction. Structured organization enables smooth collaboration and keeps us aligned on shared goals.
Design Process: Structuring Creativity for Impact
Our process at Make.org is iterative and outcome-focused, with a structured yet flexible approach:
- Design Sprints and Workshops: To kick off new features, we run design sprints, aligning product, marketing, and engineering teams on a shared vision. These sessions fuel innovative thinking and provide a clear path forward. Workshops and sprints engage all relevant stakeholders, ensuring buy-in and shared understanding from the start.
- Iterative Feedback Loops: We prioritize agile, data-driven iterations. User testing and analytics guide us, but we’re also prepared to pivot based on emerging insights. This iterative approach allows us to validate concepts before fully committing to development, balancing speed with precision.
Tools and Techniques for Scalable Design
To support efficient, scalable design, we leverage best-in-class tools that enhance collaboration and streamline processes:
- Trello and Documentation: With all design requests organized in Trello, transparency is key. This process provides visibility for stakeholders and keeps the team aligned on priorities.
- Advanced Prototyping: Using Sketch and Webflow, we build high-fidelity prototypes that allow us to test and refine ideas rapidly. For example, I led the creation of an interactive Webflow prototype to test onboarding flows, validating our assumptions with real user feedback.
- Zeplin and Developer Handoffs: We maintain a seamless design-to-development pipeline. Our use of Zeplin for detailed handoffs ensures accuracy and alignment with our development team, reducing friction in implementation.
Continuous Improvement: Learning, Adapting, and Growing
I advocate for continuous improvement and foster a growth mindset within the team. Whether through retrospectives, design critiques, or staying on top of industry trends, we’re constantly seeking ways to enhance our process. We review our assumptions, learn from our mistakes, and adjust our approach to remain user-focused and agile.