Design systems critique sessions at Pinterest are open to all designers and engineers from different product areas, enabling cross-functional collaboration and diverse perspectives. It isn't just how we determine the success of a design concept but also how we drive our work forward. We've learned that what sets a valuable critique apart is the story we tell and how we engage with our audience. It can be challenging for people who work in completely different product areas to join a cross-functional design critique on a weekly basis to provide helpful feedback if the narrative is not precise.
In this interactive session learn how to perform a design critique by refining your storytelling skills and using words purposefully, focusing on inclusive design best practices. In addition, you will understand how to communicate the problem with clarity in a design critique, and how to engage with your audience by using different storytelling techniques and approaches to better frame the feedback you seek.
I didn't have the mentorship or support I needed for career growth. I longed for a design community outside of the design team at work. I felt like I was hitting a dead end. I don't have a traditional design background and was tired of justifying my design experience and skills. The workshop validated I've come a long way as a designer in the short period of time I've practiced. My previous experience made me a better designer. I also have learning and growth to do and I was given the tools to improve.
Difficult conversations with my manager and stakeholders came easier when I applied the framework I learned through the workshop. I was able to ask the hard questions to understand what was specifically holding me back from growing and identified what was out of my control. It gave me the confidence boost I needed to start looking for a new job. After working with Courtney Kaplan & RETHINK I was able to land a product design role on a new design team. I absolutely love my new team and the work culture. I am working on impactful projects and feel confident as I navigate a new company culture and product team.
I became more self-aware about my skills and how to approach areas of improvement.I learned how to properly track my work, measure my progress and ways to manage my career growth.
Thanks to the RETHINK events I've learned a lot of frameworks that I applied right away to deal with my own challenges in my day to day work.
