5 factors slowing down your design team and how to fix them

Good design processes can make or break the quality of your team.

Yet some startups tend to overestimate the benefit of processes due to a move-fast-break-things mindset.

The irony is proper processes actually make teams increase their speed and output.

Here are 5 common issues with poorly performing design teams and how to address them.

Lack of Clear Processes and Standards

Design teams can become inefficient and inconsistent in their output without well-defined processes and standards.

This includes unclear project briefs, a lack of standardized design systems, and inconsistent feedback loops.

Establishing clear guidelines, templates, and regular check-ins can significantly improve productivity and output quality.

Inadequate Communication and Collaboration

Design is inherently collaborative.

A lack of effective communication tools, platforms, and practices can lead to misunderstandings, missed deadlines, and a disconnect between designers, stakeholders, and other departments (such as development or marketing teams).

Implementing structured communication channels and regular cross-functional meetings can enhance teamwork and alignment.

Insufficient Tools and Resources

The right tools and resources are critical for designers to efficiently execute their work.

This includes software and hardware, access to research, user data, and continuous learning opportunities.

Teams might be using outdated tools, or there might be a mismatch between the tool's features and the type of work to be done.

Regularly assessing and updating the team's toolkit can keep the workflow smooth and efficient.

Lack of Autonomy and Empowerment

Designers thrive in environments where they are trusted and given the autonomy to make decisions within their domain.

Overly restrictive guidelines or micromanagement can stifle creativity and lead to demotivation.

Empowering designers with the trust and freedom to explore creative solutions within defined boundaries can boost innovation and job satisfaction.

Ineffective Time and Priority Management

Teams that struggle with prioritizing tasks and managing deadlines can often fall into the trap of working on non-essential tasks at the expense of more critical projects.

This can be due to a lack of clear project scopes, objectives, and milestones.

Regular priority reviews and effective project management can help teams focus on what's most pressing and deliver higher-impact work.

In summary

Slow design teams with low-quality output often struggle due to unclear processes, poor communication or inadequate tools, a lack of autonomy, and ineffective time management.

You can address these areas through structured processes, empowering designers, and ensuring the right tools and priorities are in place.

Tailoring processes to the team's specific needs is not something to be taken for granted.