The missing (designer’s) seat at the table

Design is technically not a “peer” in the product triad, when it’s positioned under product or engineering functions.  (With some notable exceptions, of course) 

This can be attributed to both historical structures (designer not being part of founding team) as well as the leadership’s perception that design cannot really drive business results.

What’s the impact?

The most senior designer gets relegated to s middle management role, with limited access to the strategic discussions of product and engineering

Why’s that a problem?

The designer’s point of view may not reflect in the product strategy, leaving a gaping hole in the roadmap, NOT because our ideas are “better,” but because they bring a different, and absolutely necessary, perspective!

Is there a way ahead?

Yep … keep smashing eggs, produce compelling work, and proving impact. 

Because shifting perception takes time :)