This exercise involves filling 30 circles with as many different drawings as you can in 3 minutes. This is a great way to warm up your creative muscles and get your ideas flowing.
Equipment Needed: Something to draw with, for each person, something to keep time with. Give each participant a 30 Circles worksheet and something to write with. Ask them to turn as many of the circles as possible into a recognizable object in 3 minutes. You can give the example of a sun or a smiling face but give no other instructions.
After 3 minutes, compare the results! Ask how many people filled in 10, 15, 20, or more circles? Ask for some examples. Did participants use patterns (for example, multiple sports balls)? Did anyone “break the rules” and combine circles?
Designing a meaningful and impactful future begins with a clear and concise mission statement. This article explores the essential elements of an effective design mission statement, including a step-by-step guide to crafting one that reflects your team’s unique values, principles, and aspirations.
What is a Design Mission Statement?
A design mission statement guides designers by outlining and defining company values, principles, and aspirations in design. This concise declaration helps define the UX team’s unique approach to product design and serves as a foundation for creative and user experience decision-making.
By establishing a clear sense of direction, a mission statement enables designers to focus on their goals and consistently deliver value to users, stakeholders, and collaborators.
How does a design mission statement fit with the overall UX strategy?
A design mission statement incorporates the overall UX strategy by guiding and aligning design decisions with organizational goals. It fosters consistent, purposeful design choices, enhancing the user experience across products and platforms.
What is a Vision Statement?
A design vision statement outlines the long-term aspirations and desired future state for a product or organization’s design department. It provides designers with a clear direction or “north star” and is a source of inspiration and motivation.
Vision Statement vs. Mission Statement – What’s the difference?
A design mission statement focuses on the organization’s present design objectives, principles, and values. It establishes the foundation for design decisions, ensuring alignment with the organization’s goals.
A design vision statement describes where the organization wants to be in the future, while the mission statement defines its current purpose and approach to design.
Key Elements of an Effective Design Mission Statement
Vision and values
The foundation of a strong design mission statement lies in articulating your team’s aspirations and core beliefs. Clearly define your organization’s purpose and what it stands for, guiding the team toward meaningful outcomes. For example, a company focused on sustainability might emphasize eco-friendly design practices in its mission statement.
Design philosophy and principles
Outline the design approach that underpins your team’s work. You can include aspects like user-centered design, simplicity, or innovation. By expressing these principles, you establish a framework that drives consistent decision-making. For example, if accessibility is a priority, your mission statement could mention a commitment to inclusive design for all users.
Focus on user needs and experience
A successful design mission statement places your target audience at the center, highlighting a dedication to understanding and addressing their needs. Your statement must emphasize the importance of empathy, research, and user testing. For example, you might mention a commitment to providing intuitive, enjoyable, and seamless experiences that solve users’ problems.
Commitment to collaboration and communication
Effective design implementation often requires teamwork and clear communication with stakeholders. In your mission statement, highlight the value of collaboration and transparent dialogue, fostering a culture of openness and constructive feedback. For example, a mission statement could mention fostering cross-functional collaboration to ensure well-rounded and high-quality design solutions that incorporate diverse input and ideas.
Continuous learning and growth
The design and technology landscape is ever-evolving. A strong mission statement should reflect a dedication to improvement and adaptation. Encourage a growth mindset within your team, emphasizing the importance of learning from mistakes, staying updated on industry trends, and refining skills. For instance, your mission statement might underline a commitment to ongoing professional development and experimentation with new design methodologies.
Crafting Your Design Mission Statement
Setting the stage
Before diving into creating your design mission statement, setting the stage for a successful and collaborative session is essential. Involving the right people, preparing the appropriate materials, and choosing the ideal setting will help ensure that your mission statement truly reflects the values and aspirations of your team.
Who to include: Invite key members of your design team, including designers, DesignOps leaders, product owners, and any other relevant stakeholders. Including a diverse group ensures that the mission statement encompasses various perspectives and insights.
The setting: Select a comfortable, distraction-free environment to foster creativity and collaboration. This location could be a dedicated meeting room, a quiet office corner, or a virtual space for remote teams. Ensure the setting encourages open communication and allows for brainstorming and sharing ideas.
Materials: Provide materials to facilitate brainstorming and idea generation, such as whiteboards, markers, sticky notes, and pens. For remote UX workshops, use online collaboration tools like Miro or Mural.
Step 1 – Reflect on your organizational and UX values
Consider your company’s broader values and how they align with your UX team’s objectives. Determine the core values that will guide your design decisions.
Action: List your organization’s values and identify those most relevant to your design team. Reflect on how these values influence your design process and outcomes.
Step 2 – Identify your design principles and philosophies
Establish your team’s fundamental design principles, such as simplicity, user-centricity, innovation, accessibility, etc.
Action: Brainstorm and list the design philosophies that resonate with your team. Consider how these principles shape your team’s design initiatives and problem-solving approach.
Step 3 – Consider the impact you want to make on users, stakeholders, and colleagues
Think about the desired outcomes of your design work and how they contribute to the success of users, the organization, and your team.
Action: List the key impacts you want to achieve through your design work. Reflect on the benefits for users, the company, and your team members.
Step 4 – Balance between idealism and pragmatism
While it’s essential to have aspirational goals, your mission statement should also be grounded in reality. Strive for a balance between lofty ideals and practical, achievable objectives.
Action: Review your mission statement draft and evaluate if the goals are attainable while still being ambitious. Adjust the statement as needed to ensure a balance between idealism and pragmatism.
Step 5 – Involve your team in the process
Gather input from team members and non-designers to ensure the mission statement represents your organization and design team’s values and aspirations.
Action: Organize a workshop or brainstorming session with your team to discuss and refine the mission statement. Incorporate feedback and suggestions to create a statement that truly represents your team.
Step 6 – Keep it concise and memorable
A powerful mission statement is brief, clear, and easy to remember. Aim to communicate your message in a way that resonates with your team and stakeholders.
Action: Edit and refine your mission statement to ensure it’s succinct and straightforward. Remove unnecessary words or phrases, focusing on the most critical elements of your team’s mission.
Examples of Design Mission Statements
We’ve done our best to find mission statements relevant to design. Since these are generally internal documents, they can be challenging to find. Here are three mission statement examples and the lessons you can take from them.
How can you keep your mission first in your busy organizational life? Use this list to discover new and easy ways that guarantee everyone will keep your mission at the forefront.
The First Ten
1. Yearly declare a Mission Celebration Month. Ask for presents to help your mission.
2. Hold a Mission Celebration Party sometime during the month. Commission attendees to discover new ways to fulfill the mission in the new year. Not free but fun, ask your baker to top the cake with your mission statement.
3. Write your mission at the top of your sign-in sheets. Select a new font for each meeting.
4. On the top of meeting handouts, write: Our mission is ____ and ____ to _____. Ask people to fill in the blanks without looking elsewhere.
5. Develop a column in your newsletter in which you bullet mission activities you accomplished.
6. Ask a volunteer to write or talk briefly about what your mission means to them.
7. Give a “prize” to people who can recite the mission cold. Make the prize a preferred parking space or the chance to go home early before a holiday.
8. Add a “learn to recite the mission” exercise at your volunteer orientations.
9. Challenge each table at your next community event to write a short mission song to a common tune of their choice.
10. Pretend you are a first-time visitor to your organization. Drive to your site. Enter the building slowly. Do you see your mission statement? How about lettering it with WindowWax on a door or window? (Or when you need one anyway, get it printed on your welcome mat.)
The Next Ten
11. Get a stamp with your mission statement. (Not free but inexpensive, and once you own it, you’ll discover new ideas for its use.) Add it to agendas and envelopes. At events, stamp the back of hands to indicate paid admission.
12. For stage decorations at your annual meeting, write your statement in a permanent magic marker on a set of helium balloons, one word per balloon.
13. Get a life-size cardboard superhero (or political figure) whose mouth blurb recites your mission. Does your hero like elevator rides?
14. Offer an artist free exhibit space and publicity in exchange for creating a banner expressing your mission in symbols.
15. Ask your Future Task group to rate everything your organization plans for next year on the 1 to 10 scale, with ten reserved for your highest mission activities.
16. Do the same for activities in your calendar for this month.
17. In your public presentations, include, “As you know, our mission is…”
18. Begin meetings by breaking into small groups and inviting attendees to answer, “What are the three things that excite you most about our mission?”
19. Include a different puzzle card (like those fall-out cards included in magazines for subscriptions) in your newsletter or program. Create a
Crossword puzzle
Word search
Word Scramble
Pictogram or
Write your mission in five languages: Pig Latin, Greek, Japanese, Morris Code, and Swahili.
20. Print your mission on bright paper in a bold font, frame it, and post it in “surprise” locations. Each time it’s found, tape a low-cost or no-cost prize coupon to the back and hide it again. Start with your supply cabinet, move it behind the microwave, and then behind a seldom-used door.
The Final Three
21. Create a bulletin board to share places your mission is happening.
22. Go with the Montessori method, cut and display the mission in raised letters made out of sandpaper for fingers to trace in a waiting area.
23. Ask people for three suggestions on how to keep your mission visible. Select and use the best ideas to keep your mission growing.
This blog post is tailored for pet owners, animal lovers, and anyone looking to pamper their pets. The audience includes individuals who prioritize their pets' well-being and are actively seeking high-quality products and treats. Whether they have dogs, cats, or other beloved companions, this post caters to those who consider their pets as part of the family.
The core message of this post is to highlight the exceptional Black Friday deals available at your pet store. Emphasis is placed on the idea that, just like family members, pets deserve the best care and treats. The post aims to convey that the Black Friday discounts present a golden opportunity for pet owners to stock up on premium pet supplies, toys, and treats at unbeatable prices.
Through visually appealing content, clear communication of limited-time offers, and the integration of social proof, the design decisions aim to create a sense of anticipation and urgency. The goal is to motivate the audience not only to explore the Black Friday deals but also to actively participate by making purchases for their beloved pets. The combination of compelling visuals, concise information, and social engagement elements is crafted to instill a sense of excitement and drive immediate action among the audience
This post targets pet owners and animal lovers, ranging from first-time pet parents to seasoned caregivers. The audience includes individuals seeking reliable pet care products, grooming services, and valuable information on pet health and well-being.
The central message of this post is to showcase PetSmart as the go-to destination for all things pet-related, emphasizing its commitment to providing a one-stop solution for pet owners. The post aims to communicate the wide range of products and services offered by PetSmart, highlighting the store's dedication to ensuring the happiness, health, and well-rounded care of pets.
The design decisions aim to create a positive and trustworthy image of PetSmart while providing valuable information to the audience. By strategically placing user testimonials and promotions, the post seeks to motivate the audience to visit PetSmart for their pet care needs. The interactive elements and vibrant visuals aim to keep the audience engaged, fostering a sense of connection with the brand and, ultimately, encouraging them to choose PetSmart as their preferred destination for pet supplies and services.
This post is tailored for pet owners, specifically targeting individuals who prioritize their pets' well-being and seek convenient and delightful pet care solutions. The audience includes pet parents looking for high-quality pet products, personalized service, and a seamless shopping experience.
The core message of this post is to showcase Chewy as more than just an online pet supply store. It aims to highlight the unique features, personalized service, and commitment to customer satisfaction that set Chewy apart. The post emphasizes the idea that by choosing Chewy, pet owners not only access premium pet products but also contribute to creating a joyful and stress-free environment for their furry friends.
By combining emotional storytelling, visual appeal, feature highlights, authentic testimonials, and exclusive offers, the design decisions aim to motivate the audience to not only consider Chewy for their pet care needs but also to take the desired action of making a purchase. The goal is to create a positive and memorable impression of Chewy as a brand that goes beyond transactional relationships, resonating with the audience's love for their pets and their desire for a convenient and joyful pet care experience.
Find a quiet corner, make yourself a cozy space, and arm yourself with a pen and paper or a digital note-taking device. The key is to create an environment where your thoughts can flow freely without judgment.
Step 2: Start Writing
Begin by jotting down whatever comes to mind. Let your thoughts spill onto the page without worrying about coherence or structure. These are your "Morning Pages," a stream-of-consciousness exercise aimed at clearing mental clutter and unlocking hidden creativity.
Step 3: Embrace the Chaos
As you write, you might encounter resistance or a desire to edit your thoughts. Resist the urge. Embrace the chaos, the raw and unfiltered stream of your consciousness. This exercise is a form of creative meditation, allowing your mind to wander and stumble upon unexpected gems.
Step 4: Discover Patterns
After a few sessions of Morning Pages, revisit your entries. Look for recurring themes, ideas, or phrases. These patterns can unveil hidden desires, fears, or untapped creative potential. It's like exploring a treasure map of your own mind.
Step 5: Explore Further
Use the insights gained from your Morning Pages to fuel more directed creative endeavors. Whether it's starting a new project, trying a different artistic medium, or simply approaching daily tasks with a fresh perspective, let your newfound creativity guide you.
Conclusion:
Creativity is not a finite resource; it's a well that deepens with exploration. By engaging in exercises like Morning Pages, inspired by resources like "The Artist's Way," we can unlock new dimensions of our creativity.
Our chosen exercise for today is "The Unusual Pairing." This exercise is a delightful concoction of imagination and unexpected connections, perfect for students of all ages.
Exercise: The Unusual Pairing
Step One: Gather a Variety of Objects
Encourage to bring in or select a variety of seemingly unrelated objects. These could be everyday items or even personal trinkets.
Step Two: Pairing Up
Have each randomly select two objects. The challenge? Find a way to creatively connect these seemingly unrelated items.
Step Three: Presentation Time
Allow showcasing the unusual pairings. This could be through a short presentation, a skit, or even a visual representation. The emphasis here is on storytelling and the inventive links they establish.
The Benefits:
This exercise not only sparks creativity but also nurtures critical thinking skills, encourages collaboration, and fosters a positive and open-minded classroom culture.
Reflection:
After the exercise, take a moment for reflection. Discuss with your peer their experiences, the challenges they faced, and the surprising connections they discovered. Emphasize that creativity is not just about the end result but also the journey and the unique paths each mind takes.
Conclusion:
As educators, we have the power to cultivate a classroom environment that celebrates creativity. By incorporating engaging exercises like "The Unusual Pairing" we can unlock the creative potential within each student, fostering a love for learning that extends far beyond the classroom walls.
Are you eager to learn the art of creating stunning miniature effects in your photographs? Look no further than Lesa Snider's Beginner's Workshop! In this workshop, Lesa Snider, a renowned expert in digital photography, guides you through the process of achieving captivating miniature effects that will take your photography skills to the next level.
**What Is a Miniature Effect?**
Before you dive into the workshop details, let me clarify what a miniature effect is. Also known as the "tilt-shift" effect, it's a technique that simulates a shallow depth of field to make real-life scenes look like miniature models. The end result is a captivating, dreamy effect that draws the viewer's attention to the central subject while blurring the background.
**Why Attend Lesa Snider's Workshop?**
Lesa Snider's workshop is perfect for beginners who want to explore the world of photography and experiment with unique effects. Here are a few reasons why you shouldn't miss this opportunity:
1. **Expert Guidance:** Lesa Snider is an industry expert with years of experience. She'll provide step-by-step guidance, ensuring you grasp the concepts and techniques easily.
2. **Hands-On Learning:** The workshop focuses on practical application. You'll get to experiment with your camera and editing software, gaining valuable hands-on experience.
3. **No Technical Jargon:** Lesa Snider excels at breaking down complex concepts into simple terms. You won't be overwhelmed with technical jargon; instead, you'll find a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
4. **Creative Freedom:** Once you've mastered the basics, you'll have the creative freedom to apply miniature effects to your photos. Whether you're into landscapes, portraits, or architectural shots, this workshop will help you transform your images.
**What to Expect in the Workshop:**
The workshop covers a wide range of topics, including:
**Camera Settings** Learn how to set up your camera to capture the perfect shot.
**Composition** Understand the principles of composition and framing to create visually stunning images.
**Editing Techniques** Discover how to use photo editing software to enhance your miniature effects.
**Hands-On Practice** Put your newfound knowledge into action during practical exercises.
**Feedback** Receive constructive feedback from Lesa Snider and fellow participants to improve your skills.
**Conclusion:**
If you're a photography enthusiast looking to add a unique touch to your images, Lesa Snider's Beginner's Workshop on creating a miniature effect is the perfect opportunity. With Lesa's expert guidance and a hands-on learning approach, you'll quickly become proficient in this captivating photography technique. Don't miss out on the chance to take your photography skills to the next level—sign up for this workshop today!
