Summary

Talking to people about design might seem like a basic skill, but it can be difficult to do efficiently and well. And, in many cases, how you communicate with designers, stakeholders, clients, and other non-designers is more critical than the designs themselves – simply because the most articulate person usually wins.

Based on the best-selling book from O'Reilly, this practical and fun workshop focuses on principles, tactics, and actionable methods for presenting design. Whether it’s the design of websites, apps or other products, you'll learn how to win over anyone who has influence over the project--with the goal of creating the best experience for the end user. Using techniques from improvisational theatre, we’ll laugh our way through the process of explaining design to the people around us.

Who is it for?

Anyone who needs to talk about design! While most attendees will be designers, many developers, product owners, researchers, and business people also benefit from the ideas and best practices. Regardless of your role in the design process, everyone needs to be better at articulating design decisions.

Key takeaways

At the end of this workshop, you’ll be more confident in your ability to help stakeholders understand the design you recommend. Articulating Design Decisions will equip you to communicate with stakeholders, keep your sanity, and still deliver the best user experience.

• Walk through the process of preparing for and presenting design.
• Understand stakeholder perspectives, and learn how to empathize with them.
• Cultivate both implicit and explicit listening skills.
• Learn tactics and formulas for expressing the most effective response to feedback.
• Discover why the way you follow through is just as crucial as the meeting itself.

More about the day

What we will achieve:

• Get in the right frame of mind for discussing design
• Identify stakeholder values and needs
• Manage design meetings and conversations
• Listen to design feedback effectively
• Document design decisions for the future
• Effectively respond to design feedback
• Apply common strategies and tactics for making your case

Hands-on exercises include:

• Discussing common challenges with explaining design
• Writing stakeholder stories to better see their perspective
• Evaluating your own skill at articulating design decisions
• Practicing tactics for responding with other participants
• Applying techniques from improvisational comedy
• Simulating design conversations and scenarios
• Discussing common challenges with explaining design

Prerequisites

None! Whilst not a requirement, you will get the most from the workshop if you read Articulating Design Decisions: Communicate with Stakeholders, Keep Your Sanity, and Deliver the Best User Experience prior to the session.