Design Manager Hub
Product Design Reference
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Welcome

Last updated 3 months ago

Design Manager Hub is an evolving resource that offers tailored insights and materials to equip both new and seasoned design managers and leaders with the tools needed to navigate challenges and achieve success throughout their management journey.

Defining Design Management

At its core, design management is the practice of nurturing and guiding teams to thrive, driving innovation and aligning design efforts with strategic goals, streamlining processes for efficiency, and delivering impactful products while continuously measuring and refining their success. In short: Team Leadership, Strategic Alignment and Innovation, Process Optimisation, and Product Delivery and Impact.

1. Team

Build, manage, and lead thriving teams.

This involves not just hiring and organising team members but also fostering a positive team culture, mentoring individuals, and ensuring effective collaboration. Building a thriving team requires understanding each member's strengths and areas for growth and providing the necessary support and resources.

2. Strategy

Drive design vision, strategic alignment and innovation.

A design manager should ensure that the design team's work aligns with the broader business goals and strategic vision of the company. This involves setting a clear design vision, advocating for design's role in achieving business objectives, and encouraging innovation to address emerging challenges and opportunities.

3. Process

Optimise design processes and operations.

This means implementing and refining workflows to improve efficiency and effectiveness. It includes selecting and integrating design tools, establishing best practices, and continuously evaluating and adjusting processes to adapt to changing needs or new insights.

4. Delivery

Deliver great products and measure their impact.

This encompasses not just overseeing the design and development of products but also ensuring that they meet user needs and business goals. It involves tracking product performance, gathering user feedback, and making data-informed decisions to iterate and improve.


Design Manager Hub by , a Product Design Manager with over 20 years' experience designing award-winning digital products and leading high-output design teams.

Tony O'Donohoe