Four aspects of successful design leadership

Over the years I have worked on simplifying what I see as the core of being a successful design leader. The aspects I present below are based on my many years of studies of design practice and professional designers in relation to contemporary design theory and design philosophy. Of course, there are many ways to present my findings, and this is just one of them.

The four aspects of being a successful design leadership are:

1. The Nature of Designing

Successful design leaders?have a developed understanding of the nature of designing as a human approach to change. They understand what design can deliver but also what it cannot deliver. They have a deep appreciation of when designing is a suitable approach and when it is not. They understand how designing relates to other approaches to change, such as science and art.

2. The Design Process

Successful design leaders?have a developed understanding of the design process. They understand that there is no one correct process, that there is no best tool or the best method. They know that every choice of tool, technique, and method depends on the situation, time, people, culture, and expectations. They know that every design process is unique and has to be designed?in relation to intention and desiderata.

3. The Design Culture

Successful design leaders?have a developed understanding of what designing requires when it comes to context and culture. They understand that every organization has its own unique culture that either supports or hinders designing as a practice. They understand that design is leadership and requires people who can navigate the complexities of contemporary organizations. They understand that design requires an organizational culture that recognizes and supports designing as a valid approach to change.

4. The Designer

Successful design leaders have a developed understanding of who they are as professional practicing designers. They have a developed personal design philosophy that guides them in complex and rich situations when decisions and judgments have to be made. They have a deep understanding of what they appreciate?as good design and of their own?ideals and values. They understand that there is no stable state when it comes to designing and therefore they have a thoughtful way of constantly developing their own competence.

These four aspects are fundamental to anyone who wants to be a successful design leader. The good news is that they can all be learned and trained. Design leadership is, with some effort and support, achievable to anyone who is interested. And there is a real need for design leadership today.