When something goes wrong in the design process, what is the first thing people do? If you said “find someone to blame” you’d be right. But in reality the cause of most work related issues is not people, but processes. All designers use processes, whether implicit or explicit. From collecting project information, to preparing design briefs and scheduling meetings, these tasks often get done with little consideration, except when something goes wrong. It is at this time that our understanding of how we are working becomes important.
What you will learn
The Design Process and Improvement Workshop provides design teams an opportunity to find ways of working more efficiently and effectively by taking into consideration not only their own business operations but also the needs of their clients. Firms that pay attention to their process are able to implement changes faster and address problems with staff, process and structure. Participants will learn how to:
- Discover the six steps to process improvement
- Develop a more effective and efficient process
- Increase customer satisfaction
- Align your staffs understanding of your goals and their roles
- Create a framework for continuous process improvement
The workshop includes
- Team building meeting: We'll work together to prepare your team for the improvement process, build support for change and address concerns.
- Creating a visual management system: I’ll work with you and your team to create a detailed flow chart of your process. This chart will serve as your visual management system and provide the foundation for future process improvements.
- Process analysis and metrics: We’ll look at your process through the lenses of frustration, time, quality and cost.
- Customer interviews: We’ll schedule interviews with your clients to talk about their needs and find out how you can provide them added value through your process.
- Benchmarking and best practices: Based on research we’ll integrate best practices into your process.
- Process redesign: You and your team will create a new and improved process chart.
- Continuous improvement: I’ll train you and your team on continuous process improvement techniques.
How you will benefit
A well defined design process provides value for both the designer and the client by creating efficient working environment, and positions the designer as a trusted professional.
Who should attend
This workshop is appropriate for designers and design managers who are interested in improving their processes, and implementing a continuous process improvement plan for their teams.
