Scott Berkun | How Design Makes The World | Talks at Google

TL;DR

Design is a powerful tool that can solve problems and create a better world, but it requires designers to be ambassadors and navigate the power structures of organizations to have their ideas heard and implemented.

Transcript

hello everyone and welcome to talks at google my name is paolo malibuyo and i lead the user experience team for youtube ads in san bernardino california co-hosting with me is merlin derbyvich a ux design manager for youtube ads who's joining us from zurich switzerland today we're talking to scott burkin renowned expert on creativity leadership desi... Read More

Key Insights

• ✊ Designers have the power to shape the world and solve complex problems.
• ✊ Understanding the power structures within organizations is crucial for designers to advocate for their ideas.
• 🎨 Design literacy is essential for everyone to recognize and appreciate the value of good design.
• 🎨 Designers need to be ambassadors, using storytelling and empathy to communicate the impact of design and drive positive change.
• 🤩 Collaboration and building alliances are key strategies for designers to make a meaningful impact in large organizations.
• 🧡 Design is not limited to aesthetics and usability but encompasses a wide range of disciplines and industries.
• 🎨 The gap between design expertise and the lack of design knowledge in organizations can be bridged through effective communication and a shared understanding of the value of design.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why is it important for designers to be ambassadors and navigate the power structures of organizations?

Designers need to understand the power dynamics within organizations to effectively advocate for their ideas and have them implemented. By being ambassadors, designers can communicate the value of good design and gain support from other stakeholders.

Q: How can designers bridge the gap between their expertise and the lack of design knowledge in organizations?

Designers can start by asking people outside of the design community about the things they love to use and the things they hate to use. By understanding their perspectives and using storytelling, designers can help others recognize the value of good design and create a shared understanding.

Q: How can designers make a meaningful impact in large organizations?

In large organizations, designers should build alliances and coalitions with other team members who share their vision. By working together, designers can support each other's ideas and gain the necessary influence to implement positive change.

Q: What is the role of empathy in design?

Empathy is crucial in design because it allows designers to understand the needs and experiences of users. By stepping into the shoes of the user, designers can create more user-friendly and effective solutions.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Design expert Scott Burkun discusses the importance of design in his most recent book "How Design Makes the World."

• He emphasizes the need for designers to understand the power structures within organizations in order to effectively advocate for their ideas.

• Burkun provides examples of design failures, such as the Notre Dame fire and poorly designed user interfaces, to highlight the need for better design literacy.