Designing Mission statement

 

Design Mission Statement – Examples and Tips

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.

https://www.uxpin.com/studio/blog/design-mission-statement/

Make Your Mission

 

23 Free and Fun Ways to Make Your Mission Visible

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

1. 1. 1. Crossword puzzle
      2. Word search
      3. Word Scramble
      4. Pictogram or
      5. 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.

Holiday Pet Love

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.

 

The Artist's Way

Exercise: Morning Pages

Step 1: Set the Scene

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.

Pairing Up

The Journey:

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.

Mastering Miniature Effects: A Beginner's Workshop with Lesa Snider

 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!

 Title: Simplifying Kirk Nelson's Photoshop Down & Dirty Tricks: Building an AI Android with Photoshop's AI Tools

In today's digital age, Photoshop has evolved to offer a wide range of tools and features that can help you create stunning and imaginative artwork. One fascinating concept explored by Photoshop expert Kirk Nelson is the idea of using Photoshop's AI tools to construct an AI android. While this may sound complex, let's break it down into simpler steps.

Step 1: Familiarize Yourself with Photoshop's AI Tools

Photoshop has incorporated various AI-powered features that can streamline your creative process. Some noteworthy AI tools include Content-Aware Fill, Content-Aware Scale, and the Neural Filters feature. These tools can assist in manipulating images and generating creative elements for your project.

Step 2: Gather the Necessary Resources

To build an AI android, you'll need a collection of images, textures, and elements to piece together. Make sure you have a clear vision of your Android's appearance and functionality before proceeding.

Step 3: Create the Base Structure

Begin by creating a canvas in Photoshop to serve as the foundation for your AI android. Use basic shapes, such as rectangles and circles, to outline the android's body, limbs, and head. Adjust the proportions to achieve the desired look.

Step 4: Utilize Content-Aware Tools

Leverage Photoshop's Content-Aware tools to fill in the details of your Android. For example, use Content-Aware Fill to add intricate textures, patterns, or facial features to your Android's design. This tool helps you seamlessly integrate elements into your creation.

Step 5: Experiment with Neural Filters

Neural Filters in Photoshop can be a game-changer for adding unique AI-generated effects to your Android. Play around with filters like Style Transfer to give your creation a distinct artistic touch.

Step 6: Add Realistic Details

Enhance your android's realism by incorporating high-quality images and textures. Use Photoshop's blending modes and layer styles to integrate these elements seamlessly.

Step 7: Fine-tune and Refine

The key to creating an impressive AI android is in the details. Take your time to refine the android's appearance, paying attention to shadows, highlights, and overall aesthetics.

Step 8: Export and Share

Once you're satisfied with your AI android's design, export it as a high-resolution image or incorporate it into your desired project. Share your creation with the world and showcase the potential of Photoshop's AI tools.

In conclusion, Kirk Nelson's concept of building an AI android with Photoshop's AI tools can be simplified into a creative and enjoyable process. By harnessing the power of Content-Aware tools, Neural Filters, and your own artistic vision, you can construct a captivating AI android that showcases your Photoshop skills. Don't hesitate to explore these tools and push the boundaries of your creativity in the world of digital art.

Take two minutes to free your mind in Photoshop. Unleash your inner imperfectionist.

 This was an Adobe Exercise I came across that my daughter wanted to try.

Title: Unlocking Creativity with Blind Contour Drawing

As artists or individuals seeking a spark of creativity, we often find ourselves at a crossroads, looking for a path that will jolt our creative spirit back to life. Blind contour drawing is a classic and deceptively simple exercise that has been opening the doors of perception for artists of all skill levels, serving as a powerful tool to reboot the creative process.

What is Blind Contour Drawing?

Blind contour drawing is a drawing technique where the artist draws the contour of a subject without looking at the paper. The key is to focus solely on the subject and let your hand mimic the movement of your eyes as they trace the object's outlines and shapes. This exercise is not about the finished product but rather about the process and connection between sight and touch.

The Creative Spark

The beauty of blind contour drawing lies in its simplicity and the purity of the connection it fosters between the artist and the subject. It forces you to trust your hand and your eyes, to let go of preconceived notions of perfection, and to embrace imperfection as a form of authenticity and truth.

The Benefits for Creativity

Enhanced Observation Skills: By removing the pressure to create a perfect representation, artists learn to see more deeply and capture the essence of their subject.

Mindfulness: This exercise pulls you into the present moment, a state where creativity naturally unfolds.

Letting Go of Judgment: It allows you to bypass the inner critic that often hampers creativity, encouraging a freer flow of creative expression.

Surprise and Humor: The results of blind contour drawings can be unexpected and whimsical, bringing a sense of joy and play into your practice.

How to Get Started

To begin, all you need is a piece of paper, a pencil, and a subject—anything from a still-life arrangement to a self-portrait in a mirror will do. Position yourself comfortably in front of your subject, place your pencil on the paper, fix your gaze, and let your hand move as your eyes track the lines and curves before you. Remember, no peeking at the paper until you're done!

Embracing the Imperfections

What you'll often find at the end of a blind contour drawing session is a map of your observational journey, a piece that may not be "correct" but is imbued with character and charm. It's a visual reminder that the process of creation can be as valuable as the finished piece.

Conclusion

Blind contour drawing is more than just an exercise; it's a way to unlock the doors to creativity that may have been shut by fear, doubt, or the busyness of life. It's a reminder that within the lines and curves of a seemingly simple technique lies the potential for profound creative growth. So grab your paper and pencil, and let's start drawing—no sight required, just vision.

Whether you're a seasoned artist stuck in a creative rut or a beginner looking to explore your artistic side, blind contour drawing is an accessible and rewarding way to reignite the spark of creativity within you.

Give it a try and embrace wherever the line takes you!

Photoshop Magazine

KIRK NELSON PHOTOSHOP DOWN & DIRTY TRICKS TURNING MID-AFTERNOON INTO MAGICAL GOLDEN-HOUR LIGHTING 

Kirk Nelson's Photoshop Down & Dirty Tricks for turning mid-afternoon into magical golden-hour lighting is a tutorial or set of techniques aimed at photographers and digital artists who want to recreate the warm, soft, and diffused light characteristic of the "Golden Hour" in their images using Adobe Photoshop.

The Golden Hour, also known as the magic hour, typically occurs shortly after sunrise or before sunset, when the sun is low in the sky, producing a warm, golden tone that is highly sought after for its flattering qualities and dramatic effect.

In his instructional content, Nelson shares step-by-step Photoshop methods to mimic this golden-hour effect. These techniques involve manipulating the image's color balance, adding gradients or overlay layers to simulate the sun's glow, and adjusting the shadows and highlights to replicate the long, soft shadows that occur during the actual golden hour. The process also involves enhancing the existing light to give it that golden hue and adjusting the saturation and contrast to bring out the warmth typical of that time of day.

By following Nelson's tips and tricks, you can transform a photo taken during the less visually appealing midday light, which is often harsh and direct, into one that appears as though it was taken during the most photogenic time of day. This can be particularly useful for photographers looking to improve the aesthetic appeal of their photos in post-production, especially when they can't shoot during the actual golden hour due to timing or weather conditions.

Designing emotion

 "Save Me"

I choose to use the song "Save Me" because it exemplifies how music can be a powerful vehicle for storytelling and emotional connection, transcending genre boundaries to touch people's lives everywhere.

"Save Me" is a poignant and evocative track by Southern rapper Jelly Roll, a.k.a. Jason DeFord, known for blending elements of country, rock, and hip-hop. Released on December 16, 2016, the song is part of his "Addiction Kills" album and showcases Jelly Roll's personal and emotive lyrical style.

In "Save Me," Jelly Roll delivers a raw and honest narrative about his struggles with addiction, inner demons, and the quest for redemption. The song resonates with listeners through its relatable themes of vulnerability and the search for salvation in the midst of chaos. Jelly Roll's gravelly voice adds a layer of authenticity and emotion to the track, enhancing its storytelling power.