Designing Design Careers, Part 1: Introduction
Learn about design at ExxonMobil and our design career framework.
I’ve always been fascinated with the idea of creating something out of nothing. That’s what led me to teach myself programming when I was only 12 years old so that I could build a website about cats and space: two topics that delight me to this day. When people asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, the obvious answer was a scientist AND an artist, because…why not?
When I went to college, I was torn between arts and sciences, but I decided to become a software engineer to improve my technical skills. I didn’t give up on design though and continued to develop my design skills inside and outside of university classes. I also didn’t give up on working as a scientist and artist, and I eventually found a way to make that dream come true by practicing human-centered design at ExxonMobil.
ExxonMobil may not be the first company that comes to mind when you think about these skillsets, but it’s the perfect place to pioneer new research and design new technology to meet the world’s energy needs. Joining ExxonMobil gave me the opportunity to merge engineering with design and to potentially improve people’s lives around the world.
My Design Journey
Energy fuels society.
Whether you’re charging your phone, cooking a meal, or going for a drive, your life has probably been impacted by energy companies like ExxonMobil. Although short-term energy demand has decreased due to the impacts of COVID-19, over the next two decades, as the world population grows to over 9 billion, energy demand will increase. Accessible and affordable energy makes it possible for people to access important services, like healthcare and transportation, which improves people’s living standards and quality of life.
In the short-term, we’re facing unprecedented challenges with COVID-19 and a dramatic down cycle in the oil and gas industry. At ExxonMobil, that means that we are pivoting to changing market needs by partnering with health organizations to design new face masks and safety equipment, and we’re increasing production of ingredients used in disinfectants and hand sanitizers to get those products to medical professionals as quickly as possible.
We’re looking to the future and planning for long-term success.
Our scientists are developing biofuels using algae, which has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 50% compared to today’s transportation fuels. Our engineers are transforming operations to mitigate emissions and improve efficiency by leveraging the latest technology, from drones that inspect ExxonMobil facilities to advanced scientific software.
To pursue new technologies and overcome universal energy challenges, it’s no surprise that we need design at ExxonMobil.
Design at ExxonMobil has only been around for a fraction of our 135-year history. In 2014, there were only a few designers supporting internal applications within software development teams. As a developer on our engineering applications team, I grew to love usability testing with these designers, and I was determined to learn everything I could from them.
I found my career and calling in design, and I wasn’t alone. Design champions emerged across ExxonMobil, and the demand for design continued to grow.
By 2018, there were 6 formal design teams, more than 100 people with design in their formal job description, and over 5,000 people trained internally in design practices. Our design teams were tackling challenges across our business, including defining UX best practices for VR safety simulations, usability testing in-dash prototypes with automakers, improving distributor relationships through design thinking workshops, and influencing business strategies across the corporation.
Growth in Our Design Practice
Design found a place at ExxonMobil, but without a formal process to train designers and guide their careers, we risked losing momentum and talented designers. To address these risks, I worked closely with our design community to create ExxonMobil’s design career framework.
I learned so much throughout this effort, and I’m excited to share my experiences with you in this series, including research methods, design processes, final results, and next steps.
Jump to what you’re interested in:
- Part 2: Drive meaning, engagement, and measurement through research.
- Part 3: Support skill growth and career development by applying design.
- ExxonMobil Design Roles and Skills (PDF)
To learn more about ExxonMobil and how we are designing the future of energy, check out https://corporate.exxonmobil.com/.
