Your team is divided over design styles. How can you bring everyone together for a cohesive project?
When your design team can't agree on styles, it can stall progress and create tension. Here’s how to unify diverse design opinions:
How do you bring your team together on design projects? Share your strategies.
Your team is divided over design styles. How can you bring everyone together for a cohesive project?
When your design team can't agree on styles, it can stall progress and create tension. Here’s how to unify diverse design opinions:
How do you bring your team together on design projects? Share your strategies.
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Encouraging open discussion and feedback allows team members to understand each other’s perspectives. Often, finding a middle ground between styles can result in a more cohesive and innovative design.
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Style should be determined at the beginning of the process. This happens by establishing what the goals are upfront as expressed through the project goals. Defined in a broad sense, this helps drive the direction of the project for the team. When there are legitimate disagreements, you can fall back on whether the design follows established style parameters as expressed in the initial story. Allow for some debate/discussion, and then do a vote from the team, open or anonymous. Also, in a certain context, allow the stakeholder to decide for themselves. Presenting a few options, this is especially useful when the design choices vary in more subtle ways. Finally, as a team lead, you can make an educated choice and go with it.
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Let's create a language! Yes, as I state always "graphics are a common and shared language"... So this is the deal... you need to choose your colors, styles, laitmotifs and others for this you need to set really clear goals so everyone is in the same track or focus. Boards are a really organic way to organize your ideas and to everyone to visualize it helps to brainstorm in a more open way... but keep in mind the rules to discuss and everyone engages so this lead to a very organized and a positive solution. You need to conciliate... many times where there is division is a way to see both sides of the coin. This will lead you to a broader perspective and good solutions will emerge on this. Just focus on your objectives and voilà!
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To unify a team divided over design styles, I prioritize open communication, collaborative decision-making, and a shared vision. I facilitate discussions to understand each team member's perspective, identify common ground, and find a compromise that balances individual preferences with the overall project goals. By fostering a culture of respect and mutual understanding, I can guide the team towards a cohesive design solution that reflects the collective expertise and creativity.
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I focus on guiding us toward a shared vision that supports both the project and everyone involved. I start by aligning us with the project’s core goals, so each idea has a common purpose. Then, I pull together a mood board with everyone’s input—this not only gives us a visual guide but also makes everyone feel part of the process. I keep discussions open and ensure every voice is heard, respecting each perspective while gently steering us toward solutions that work for the team and the business. My goal is to create a space where creativity and collaboration thrive, leading to a design that everyone’s proud of and that serves the project’s success.
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