What’s Design Program Management
Design program management may be a novel concept for some, as it was for me initially. It was intriguing to discover that throughout my career, I had been practicing design program management without even realizing it.
Design program management is a specialized area of program management that focuses on managing the design and development of products or services.
Design program managers, or DPMs, are responsible for coordinating and overseeing the work of designers and other team members to bring a product or service to market.
DPMs work closely with product managers, UX designers, researchers, and other team members to ensure the design meets the needs and goals of the target market and the business.
Additionally, DPMs might manage budgets, timelines, and resources, and communicate regularly with stakeholders to keep them informed of the design team’s progress.
What is design program management?
Design program management is the process of overseeing and coordinating all aspects of a design project from start to finish. This includes managing the design team, coordinating with other departments or stakeholders (many stakeholders), and ensuring that the project stays on schedule and within budget as long as all stakeholders are informed on progress/blockers.
The goal of design program management is to ensure that the final product meets the client’s needs and specifications while also being delivered on time and within budget.
What skills does a design program manager should have?
A Design Program Manager (DPM) must possess a unique blend of technical and soft skills to be able to effectively oversee and coordinate the design process from start to finish.
Some key skills that a design program manager should possess include project management, communication, leadership, technical knowledge, problem solving, adaptability, budgeting and financial management and strong interpersonal skills:
- Strong project management skills.
- The ability to navigate complex stakeholder relationships.
- The capability to manage and motivate cross-functional teams.
- Be able to understand the business objectives and translate them into a design strategy that aligns with the target market and the client’s needs.
Design program management demands exceptional leadership, communication, and organizational abilities, as well as a thorough understanding of design principles and methodologies.
How can I get into design program management?
There are various pathways to enter into the field of design program management. Formal education is one such route, where many DPM positions require a bachelor’s or master’s degree in related fields such as engineering, project management, design, or architecture. However, having experience in the DPM field, such as in project management or design management, may also be considered as a substitute for formal education.
Certifications can also be a valuable asset, such as Scrum Master, Product Owner, or PMP® certification which provide a strong foundation in project management principles and best practices. Networking is also an essential aspect of getting into the field, and talking with other DPMs and learning about their day-to-day tasks and skills can be very beneficial.
Additionally, starting small and working your way up can be a viable option. For example, beginning as a project coordinator or a design team member, then gradually moving into design program management, can provide valuable experience and knowledge that can help you advance in the field.
How is the day a design program manager?
Design program management is a multifaceted role that requires a combination of strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills, as well as a deep understanding of design principles and practices. A DPM should be able to manage the design team, coordinate with other departments or stakeholders, and ensure that the project stays on schedule and within budget.
The day-to-day responsibilities of a DPM can vary depending on the specific project and company, but generally, they include project planning, coordinating with the design team, providing direction and guidance to the design team, and ensuring that the project stays on schedule and within budget.
Design program managers are also responsible for communicating with stakeholders, clients, and other cross-functional teams within the organization to make sure everyone is aligned with the design program goals and the most current status of the project.
It’s important to have strong risk management skills, be able to identify potential risks, and develop plans to mitigate those risks. Problem-solving and project documentation are also important aspects of their day-to-day job, making sure the team has a detailed record of the project progress, changes, and decisions.
DPMs should carve out time to stay up-to-date on industry standards, trends, and technologies, as well as have a deep understanding of their competitors and the program’s business needs. The role of a DPM is quite dynamic and can change from one day to the next, so it is important for DPMs to be adaptable and proactive.
Certifications
Additional Reading
👋 Feel Free to Clap and Share your Thoughts!
Find more at our LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter. Check our podcast. Follow our LinkedIn page and Newsletter!
Disclosure: At PM101, we strive to provide our readers with valuable and honest information on Product and Program Management. As a way to support the blog and continue providing valuable content, some blog posts may contain affiliate links or promotional content. By clicking on these links and making a purchase, the writer may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. This commission helps to keep the blog running and allows the writer to continue providing valuable content and increasing her coffee and kombucha consumption. Rest assured, we will always provide honest and informative content and use affiliate links and promotional content only as a means to generate revenue to support the blog.
