The State of Design Teams: Could a Fractional Design Lead Be a Partial Answer?

The role of design leaders is under threat. Companies are cutting back, and senior designers are often first to go. But there may be a solution worth considering.

I've noticed a concerning shift in how organizations are handling their design budgets lately. You're probably seeing it too - companies are tightening their belts, and unfortunately, senior design leaders are often the first casualties of these cuts. It's understandable from a pure numbers perspective as they are the most expensive resource. But losing these leaders creates a significant void in strategic design oversight and user advocacy that's hard to fill.

Worse still, some organizations are removing their internal design capabilities entirely and instead relying on agencies. Although an agency can do an excellent job, they will not provide the design leadership and direction that organizations require.

The Impact of Losing Design Leadership

Let me tell you what happens when design leadership disappears from an organization. The strategic vision that once guided product development starts to fade. You see it happening - teams that previously shaped innovative solutions now find themselves simply implementing other people's ideas. The disconnect between user needs and business decisions grows wider by the day.

You might recognize this pattern in your own organization. Junior designers become trapped in execution-only roles, missing out on growth opportunities. Their valuable insights get buried under stakeholder demands. Before you know it, your design practice loses its strategic edge and struggles to deliver the value you know it can bring.

If you are a design leader or have ambitions to become one, you might want to consider attending my Design Leadership Workshop this coming February. And don’t forget I also have a workshop on website conversion optimization in January.

Introducing a Solution: The Fractional Design Lead

Let me share an alternative approach that's gaining traction: the fractional design lead. Think of it as having an experienced design leader working with you for just a day or two each week. This setup works when you can't justify a full-time senior position but still need that strategic guidance.

The value of this arrangement lies in its flexibility. You get someone who can steer your design efforts in the right direction, keeping everything focused on your users while aligning with your business goals. It's a smart way to maintain high-level design leadership without breaking the bank.

What makes me think this approach has potential is how it supports your existing team. Junior designers get the mentorship they need to grow, while having someone in their corner who understands design thinking. This protection from well-meaning but misguided stakeholder requests ensures your team can focus on creating truly user-centered solutions.

Don't misunderstand me, this is not a replacement for a full-time design lead. It saddens me that we're seeing the cuts we are in the design sector at the moment. However, we're not going to change that reality by moaning. A fractional design lead offers the best solution in a bad situation.

Benefits of a Fractional Design Lead

Now, let's explore what makes a fractional design lead valuable. Having worked with organizations who have adopted this model, I've seen firsthand how it can deliver significant benefits while addressing the challenges of our current economic climate. Here are the key advantages I've observed:

• Save Money: You get access to seasoned leadership at a fraction of the cost of a full-time position. Perfect for keeping design standards high while managing those tight budgets we're all dealing with.
• Start Quickly: Tired of those endless recruitment cycles? You won't need to wade through countless CVs or sit through interview after interview. A fractional design lead can hit the ground running within days.
• Keep Design at the Top Table: Your users' needs stay front and center in decision-making. Having a design voice at a strategic level ensures products and services actually solve real problems.
• Scale With Your Needs: The role grows or shrinks alongside your organization. When times are busy, increase the hours. When things slow down, scale back. Simple.
• Grow Your Team: Your junior designers won't feel lost or unsupported. They'll have someone to learn from, bounce ideas off, and help them develop. The result? Better design work across the board.

Is a Fractional Design Lead Right for You?

If your organization is struggling to maintain a strategic design vision, or if your junior designers are lacking the guidance they need, it might be time to consider a fractional design lead. Here are a few questions to reflect on:

• Are you struggling to keep a cohesive and strategic vision for your design work?
• Do your designers need mentorship and a champion who can advocate for them?
• Has design been undervalued at a leadership level since the economic downturn?

If any of these questions resonate, it might be worth exploring whether a fractional design lead could provide the support your team needs.

Navigating Challenging Times

Sure, times might be tough right now, but your design standards don't need to suffer. I've seen how a fractional design lead can make a real difference, giving you that strategic direction while staying within budget constraints. You can still deliver exceptional work, mentor your team, and keep users at the heart of everything you do.

I’m Happy to Discuss This With You

If you find yourself wishing that your organization had stronger design leadership but are unsure how to make it happen, please drop me a message. I am happy to discuss how we can build the business case and see if we can get you the support you need.