At Viator, I pioneered Design Operations and Design Systems, reshaping our design workflow for optimal collaboration and introducing a comprehensive set of design systems that elevated visual aesthetics and expedited project delivery for supply and demand teams (in web and native applications).
Leading a team through change
Guiding a team toward a common goal involves a combination of elements. From outlining a vision, specifying the business impact, refining processes, to collaborating with product and engineering to develop a roadmap, the aim is to completely revolutionise our approach to Product Design.
Collaboration
Before we start anything, do the different teams have a track record of unbiased collaboration? Can we have a culture of trust and team effort that will drive us to the final line? How do we cross-seed ideas?
Setting a vision
Working with Technical Managers, SMEs and Principal & Senior level ICs to synthesise the requirements, using design as a super power to start conversations and to create and set the overall tone and direction we take.
Measuring impact
Is the effort worth it? Are we seeing continued business impact or do we need to course correct? How’s the team morale after the changes?
-> More on how I build high performing teams
Fostering and empowering collaboration between Engineering and Design
At the core of Design Systems is the pivotal collaboration between Engineering and Design. I played a central role in dismantling barriers between these functions, taking charge of design decisions and seamlessly collaborating with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) in engineering.
This leadership extended to my team and peers, fostering enhanced collaboration and instilling a sense of ownership, resulting in processes where both functions took pride in their contributions.
-> More on collaboration while heading up a business vertical
Managing and shaping culture
Whether it was assigning work, mentoring or managing my direct reports, I was on hand to give clear, consistent and actionable feedback in all stages of the design process.
The regular check-ins I held with them allowed me to discover when it was time to get contractors to help on the design systems front, as well as notice when output from one designer was low and uncover the reasoning why.
As a decentralized team, asynchronous communication played a pivotal role. Moreover, we cultivated a culture of transparency and mutual trust, nurturing a cohesive team spirit that transcended individual functions.
An example of how I track and report project status
Here are some of the problem areas within Design Operations I worked on:
Revitalising the native design system during a rebrand
Revamping an entire visual identity is a monumental undertaking. Pair that with simultaneously elevating two distinct design systems, ensuring component integrity, maintaining accessibility, and aligning variants — the magnitude of the effort cannot be overstated. The success of this endeavour hinged on meticulous planning, in-depth knowledge, and proactive anticipation to seamlessly navigate and accomplish this complex initiative.
Defining the visual languages for a two-sided marketplace
Navigating Viator’s dual marketplace dynamics involves suppliers showcasing products and travellers purchasing experiences, each with distinct tasks and visual requirements. I established a cohesive framework for all Viator Design Systems, intelligently interlinking them where applicable, sharing components judiciously, yet preserving individual styles. This approach facilitated streamlined processes, allowing seamless collaboration while respecting the unique visual languages tailored to each side of the business.
Leveraging Figma features
To retain and allure top-tier talent, I prioritized the implementation of state-of-the-art design systems, leveraging the latest functionalities introduced by Figma for efficient design systems management. Empowering my team to specialize in various technical aspects of our tools not only enhanced their expertise but also fostered collaboration. This approach empowered them to mentor fellow designers and newcomers, creating a dynamic and knowledgeable team poised for continued success.