A Product Designer in Corporate (cont.)
In our previous article, we compared the role of a product designer in a corporation versus in a startup. In this piece, we’d like to delve deeper into the expectations and challenges that a product designer may face in a corporate setting and offer insights into how to navigate them effectively. As a product designer in a corporate environment, one can expect to be a part of a larger design team, which can be both a blessing and a challenge. Collaboration and communication are key to success, as product designers need to work closely with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to ensure that the final product meets business objectives and user needs. However, navigating the corporate bureaucracy and maintaining a creative edge can be challenging, and product designers may encounter obstacles such as limited resources, a slower pace of decision-making, and difficulties in implementing innovative design solutions. By exploring these expectations and challenges, we aim to provide valuable insights to aspiring product designers in the corporate world on how to overcome obstacles and achieve success in their roles.
The expectations of a product designer in a corporate company may include:
Company knowledge
A product designer working at a corporate banking institution needs to have a deep understanding of the company’s brand, values, and customer base. This entails knowing the bank’s mission, vision, and core values, as well as the needs and preferences of the bank’s target customer base. The designer should have a clear understanding of the bank’s approach to risk management and financial stability and be familiar with the competitive landscape in the banking industry, including emerging trends in technology, consumer preferences, and regulatory changes. With this knowledge, the designer can create innovative and competitive financial products and services that cater to the specific needs of the bank’s customers, differentiate the bank from its competitors, and align with the bank’s overall vision.
Additionally, a product designer working at a corporate banking institution should be able to develop products that can help the bank to achieve its business objectives. For instance, they should be able to design products that promote customer acquisition, retention, and profitability. The designer should be able to work collaboratively with other departments within the bank, including marketing, legal, and compliance, to ensure that products and services are compliant with relevant regulations and guidelines. Ultimately, the designer’s role is to design financial products and services that are not only visually appealing but also meet customer needs, align with the bank’s vision, and drive business growth.
Time management
A product designer at a corporate banking institution needs to be skilled in time management and able to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. The designer should have the ability to manage their time efficiently, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines while accommodating changes in priorities or project scope. This requires having a clear understanding of project timelines, deliverables, and dependencies, and being able to plan their work accordingly. The designer should also be able to communicate effectively with other team members, such as developers and project managers, to ensure that project timelines are met.
Moreover, the designer should be able to work proactively and identify potential obstacles or delays that may arise. They should also be comfortable working in a regulated environment and be able to adhere to compliance and legal requirements. By having good time management skills and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, the designer can ensure that they deliver high-quality design work on time, contributing to the overall success of the project and the company.
Adaptability
A product designer at a corporate banking institution needs to be adaptable and able to adjust to changing requirements and priorities as projects evolve. The designer should be able to work effectively in an environment where priorities can change rapidly, and new opportunities can arise at any time. They should be able to adapt their approach and designs to align with the bank’s evolving business objectives, customer needs, and regulatory requirements.
For example, the designer might need to adjust their design approach in response to changes in project scope or shifting customer preferences. They may also need to work collaboratively with other departments within the bank, such as marketing or compliance, to ensure that design work meets the bank’s evolving needs and aligns with regulatory requirements. By being flexible and adaptable, the designer can help the bank to stay competitive and responsive to the changing needs of its customers and the market.
Balancing creativity and constraints
A product designer at a corporate banking institution needs to balance creative freedom with business constraints. The designer should create visually engaging designs that resonate with the bank’s target audience, while also adhering to the requirement for clear and concise information and compliance with industry regulations. They should be able to balance the need for creative expression with the need to meet business objectives, such as improving customer engagement, increasing sales, and mitigating risk.
For example, the designer may need to balance the creative expression of design elements with the need to present financial information accurately and clearly. They should also be able to work collaboratively with other departments, such as compliance or legal, to ensure that design work meets regulatory requirements. By balancing creative freedom with business constraints, the designer can ensure that they create high-quality design work that contributes to the overall success of the bank.
Communication skills
A product designer at a corporate banking institution needs to be able to articulate the benefits and trade-offs of different design approaches. The designer should be able to explain to stakeholders, including internal teams and clients, how a new feature or design change can improve the user experience while still meeting business objectives and regulatory requirements. They should be able to balance the need for innovation with the need to maintain data security and privacy, while also keeping the user at the center of the design process.
For example, the designer may need to explain to stakeholders how a new feature, such as a mobile banking app, can improve the customer experience by providing easy access to account information and transaction history, while still maintaining the security of sensitive financial data. They may also need to balance the benefits of a visually appealing design with the need for clear, concise information to ensure that customers can easily navigate the app and complete transactions. By articulating the benefits and trade-offs of different design approaches, the designer can help stakeholders make informed decisions that lead to better outcomes for the bank and its customers.
Although the expectations of a product designer in a corporate company may vary depending on the organization, they must also be prepared to face challenges that come with the territory. These challenges may include:
Limited creative freedom
Working within established brand guidelines and design systems. For example, a product designer at a large retail company may need to design within specific color palettes, fonts, and style guidelines in order to maintain consistency across the company’s product line.
Organizational complexity
Navigating complex organizational structures and processes. For example, a product designer at a large multinational company might need to collaborate with stakeholders across multiple departments, teams, and locations, which can create communication challenges and slow down decision-making processes.
Stakeholder management
Managing conflicting feedback and expectations from different stakeholders. For example, a product designer working on a project for a healthcare company might need to balance the needs of doctors, nurses, and patients, all of whom may have different preferences and priorities.
Innovation resistance
Dealing with resistance to new ideas or approaches. For example, a product designer at a Banking company might face resistance to innovative design solutions or new technology, due to concerns about security or compliance.
These challenges can impact the work of product designers in a variety of ways, from limiting creativity and slowing down projects to creating frustration and burnout.
To overcome the challenges faced by product designers in a corporate company, designers can employ a variety of strategies. Some effective strategies include:
Build strong relationships with stakeholders
By building strong relationships with stakeholders, designers can better understand their needs and preferences, and more effectively manage conflicting feedback and expectations. This can help to improve communication and speed up decision-making processes.
Advocate for creativity and innovation
Designers can advocate for creativity and innovation by sharing success stories and case studies of other companies that have implemented innovative design solutions. By demonstrating the value of design thinking and new approaches, designers can help to overcome resistance to new ideas and technologies.
Learn to work within constraints
Designers can learn to work within constraints by focusing on the most important design elements and finding creative ways to achieve their goals with limited resources. This can help to improve efficiency and speed up the design process.
Collaborate with other teams
By collaborating with other teams, designers can tap into the expertise and resources of other departments, which can help to improve the quality and impact of their designs. This can also help to break down silos and create a more collaborative work culture.
Keep learning and growing
Designers can keep learning and growing by staying up-to-date on the latest design trends and technologies, attending conferences and workshops, and seeking feedback from colleagues and mentors. This can help to improve their skills and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving industry.
Despite the challenges, there are many benefits to working as a product designer in a corporate company. Some of the most significant benefits include:
Stability and security
Corporate companies tend to offer more stability and job security than startups or smaller companies. This can provide designers with peace of mind and allow them to focus on their work without worrying about job security.
Opportunities for growth and development
Corporate companies often offer opportunities for growth and development, including training programs, mentorship opportunities, and career advancement paths. This can help designers to improve their skills and advance their careers.
Access to resources and support
Corporate companies typically have more resources and support systems in place than smaller companies. This can include access to specialized tools and software, as well as support from other departments and teams.
Working on high-impact projects
Corporate companies often have large-scale, high-impact projects that can be incredibly rewarding for designers. Working on these projects can help to boost a designer’s portfolio and provide them with valuable experience.
By working in a corporate company, designers can gain access to these benefits and grow in their roles. The final section of this article will summarize the main points and offer final thoughts and recommendations for product designers working in a corporate company.
In conclusion, working as a product designer in a corporate company can be both challenging and rewarding. While designers may face constraints, resistance to new ideas, and complex organizational structures, they can overcome these challenges by building strong relationships, advocating for creativity, learning to work within constraints, collaborating with other teams, and continuing to grow and learn.
Despite the challenges, working in a corporate company offers many benefits, including stability, opportunities for growth and development, access to resources and support, and the ability to work on high-impact projects.
To thrive in their roles, product designers should focus on building strong relationships, advocating for innovation, learning to work within constraints, collaborating with other teams, and continuing to learn and grow. By doing so, they can overcome challenges and achieve success as product designers.
