What kind of impact do you think most designers aspire to?

I think it varies so much depending on the business and the designer, which is really the point. Alignment is critical, without it friction is inevitable.

Yeah, I think its all about the right fit, which is very variable. When I was a naïve designer working at Facebook I wanted a seat at the table so I would have more autonomy to do good work, when in reality what constituted good work to me was antithetical to the company.

Working at a b2b SaaS company came much easier. But yeah, just depends on the situation I guess.

100% This is the real point. Different businesses, products, cultures, all need different things from design. The better you understand them the more empowered you are to deliver impact that aligns with your skills + values.

Counterpoint: Designers are often consulted too late for any impact they'd have to actually be useful.

I think this is a cop out unless you’re very early in your career

This is a very public v private sector discussion that's hard to have objectively

Admittedly I know nothing about the public sector ✋

I dunno, further ↑ the ladder I’d expect this to be both a requirement and something a designer has grown to understand.

True, but understanding the business shouldn’t be a function of seniority.

Totally agree - if you’re being elevated I’m making the assumption that you’ve taken the time to understand the business.

Yes, and in your opinion what is the solve for this? I studied business in art school and it’s something I’ve built my career around.

The (very) oversimplified answer is by applying the same curiosity that draws most people to design to the business itself. In reality, there are loads of systemic issues in design education, mentorship, etc. that need to change.

Agree. What’s the most efficient way for them to learn about business in your opinion?

I think learning about business in a generic sense is a waste of time. I think it’s more about asking the question of what business you’re in, where design stands to deliver the most impact, and how that aligns with your skills and interests.

I guess understanding the business also comes with experience & seniority. I can’t imagine someone on a design lead position not having that kind of understanding. On the other hand more junior positions are often gives digested information to work with.

Everything is a gradient relative to experience and seniority. You should still understand the business.

This. 100% this. But at the same time, can we “force” someone to get so much into their job they truly immerse into the topic? I’m one of the group that does immerse into the business, but I’m a weirdo 😅

It’s every individuals choice of course, I just think it’s a very limiting one.

Obviously a gross generalization, however one that I would strongly tend to agree with.