Maximizing UX Solutions Through Design Pairing
Discover how design pairing not only breaks down information silos but significantly enhances productivity and innovation within design teams. In recent years, the design community has become more aware of the concept of design pairing — a collaborative approach that pairs two designers to work together on projects. It's a method instrumental in breaking information silos, boosting productivity, and fostering organic knowledge sharing within design teams. In an interview with seasoned designers Julia and Merve, we dive deeper into the practice of design pairing, its benefits, and the experiences they've had as a design pair.
Compared to a peer review, this is more focused on specific issues instead of higher-level review. The result is more time to solve problems
Julia Cheng
What is Design Pairing?
Design pairing is a method of collaboration where two designers work closely together to solve design problems, ideate, and execute design work. In some environments, it can mean two designers working on the same project. In more lean environments, it can be two designers meeting weekly to share their projects, progress and unblock each other. This structured partnership taps into the diverse skills and experiences of both designers to produce more innovative and well-rounded work. As Julia explained, "Compared to a peer review, this is more focused on specific issues instead of higher-level review. The result is more time to solve problems."
Sharing her experience, Merve highlighted the importance of pairing: "It was really important to pair because the discovery work last year was challenging, leading it on her own. She benefited from seeing how Julia ideated the straw man... and what worked well to draw parallels to come up with steps for her own project."
Benefits
How Can Design Pairing Help a Designer and Team?
The cumulative experiences of Julia and Merve show that design pairing can lead to impressive transformations within a design team. Here are some of the benefits they shared:
Productivity and Efficiency
"Productivity boost from two people jamming on a problem. I Always leave with something valuable and can do something with the info." -Merve
Design pairing facilitates a rapid exchange of ideas, allowing for quicker iteration and problem-solving. The concentrated effort of two minds working together can lead to more refined solutions in a shorter time span.
Knowledge Sharing
We all do good individual research, but the organic sharing of this between them helps it stick." -Merve
When designers pair, the tacit knowledge of tools, techniques, and processes gets shared organically. This could be as specific as being introduced to new components in the design system or as broad as gaining insights into other teams' work.
Soft Skills and Triad Relationships
Designers also benefit from the development of soft skills, such as giving and receiving feedback, working with diverse personalities, and navigating team dynamics.
"I Learned a lot about triad relationships, or the soft side of our work. This is a big part of our job." -Merve
Addressing Challenges
While challenges are inevitable, the support system inherent in a design pair means that designers don't face them alone. They can rapidly troubleshoot issues without the process hindering their collaboration.
"Obstacles came from the work, not pair design." -Julia
How to Start Using Design Pairing in Your Team?
Set Up a Cadence
"Keep the momentum going... They started weekly, but kept it. Once they got topics, the weekly cadence worked well." -Julia
Teams should establish a regular cadence, such as weekly meetings, to ensure consistent collaboration. Starting with onboarding sessions like Julia and Merve did can help set a solid foundation for design pairing.
Structuring Sessions
"Come prepared for what you want to get out of it... but have some topics ready to jam on." -Julia
Even though these sessions can be organic, preparation ensures productive meetings. Whether focusing on very specific design elements or broader project challenges, entering the session with an agenda can lead to more fruitful discussions.
Flexibility and Social Connection
Allow the structure to be flexible enough to accommodate personal updates or changes in topic focus. This not only maintains the human connection between the pair but can lead to unforeseen creative ideas.
I enjoyed the social aspect of the weekly recurring meetings.
Merve Ayoamak
Final Thoughts
As the interview concluded, the underlying message from both Julia and Merve was clear: design pairing is a practice that adds both human and professional value to the design process. In their words, it transformed their challenges into exciting opportunities for growth and innovation.
Now it's your turn? Are you going to try pair designing?