Empowering Voices: Harnessing Human-Centered Design to Elevate ERG Engagement

As a designer and advocate for positive people experiences, I am passionate about creating and improving experiences for a positive impact. I adore using human-centered design methodologies that include empathy interviews and research to gain key insights that enhance peoples’ experiences.

Recently, I had the amazing opportunity to work with a diverse group of women in an employee resource group (ERG) as part of an organization's commitment to improving engagement. Our process consisted of identifying key themes, separating symptoms from root causes, turning insights into creative “how might we” questions, and then prioritizing and crafting a proposed roadmap of solutions for the executive team.

What was important about this opportunity was the beautiful mindset shift that occurred amongst the group members throughout the process. Initially, members of the group believed it was up to company leaders to come up with solutions to their feedback. However, through collaboration and ideation, they realized that the collective insights and solutions of the group were just as valuable.?

Reflecting on this experience, some of the key components of our success included using a human-centered design approach employing empathy mapping, research and analysis that also provided an environment of open communication and pathways for a continuous growth mindset, curiosity, and innovation.

What an incredible inspiration, to facilitate and learn directly from the people for future design.? With a portfolio rich with insights handed off to the local team, they were able to support their commitment for action. I’m looking forward to hearing about the impact of the effective solutions for the women’s ERG the organization is serving.