We, as creatives, believe in the value of design. To take it to the next level, we need to integrate creative practices with the business.
In this workshop, you will explore the value of design as seen through the lens of the business. This workshop helps designers (of all levels) develop basic business acumen and perspectives that can be directly applied to their day-to-day responsibilities.
This understanding is required to operate at an executive level, and can accelerate careers from day one. Learn to align, communicate and create business value through design.
This is a four-part series:
Business Basics
Business Strategy
Product Dynamics
Crafting Debates
Please note all dates before registering:
August 19, 2021 from 9-1pm PST
Sept 2, 2021 from 9-1pm PST
Sept 16, 2021 from 9-1pm PST
Sept 30, 2021 from 9-1pm PST
Registration closed.
“An excellent understanding of business basics with frameworks and approaches on how to utilize them in your career as a designer.”
“The missing business on-ramp to amplifying design’s visibility and impact at any size organization.”
“I was worried that a business class was going to be boring, and while there was a lot of business lingo, I was completely surprised. Everything was so relevant to my role and challenges I face as a director at a growing startup.”
Session overview
Business basics
Design creates experiences for people, but that is only possible by building a sustainable business. This module provides creatives with an easy-to-understand overview of common business models and financial tools that help build a foundation for framing the value of design.
Business strategy
Illustrating the value of design begins with aligning with the business strategy. Together we’ll explore different business strategies and approaches, clarifying your organizational strengths and risks, and evaluate the way design can impact them.
Product dynamics
Building on business basics, this module provides creatives with an overview of how to think about creating impact and exploring tradeoffs through the product life cycle. Deep dive into common business metrics like CAC, MAUs, and LTV, and learn to estimate the ROI of design investments.
Crafting debates
Critical interactions with executives and leadership team members can often feel like debates. Develop tools for crafting and facilitating logic-driven and business-centric narratives to help foster trust and understanding with peers and leadership.
What you'll learn
Understand basic business models
Develop a business ecosystem map of your unique business model
Learn to read and understand business financial statements
Connect your team’s goals and objectives to business impact
Learn to communicate the value of design through the business lens
Develop new tools to communicate in logic-driven ways
Remote format
Our remote workshops are based on the success of our in-person learning principles. Our goal is help participants learn not only from our instructors, but industry experts and peers. The day will be a mix of short lectures, solo reflection, group activities and Q&A. It’s a highly participatory remote workshop. Participants should be prepared to participate in a quiet space with stable wifi.
What you'll receive
Your personal printed workbook with content and exercises (if registered 2-3 weeks prior to workshop dates)
Access to our Design Dept. community slack to stay connected and learning from other leaders
Who should attend
This workshop is great for any level seeking to build their business acumen for more impact. It is applicable to individual contributors and leaders in brand design, product design, research and content strategy in startups or tech. All industries and backgrounds welcome.
General schedule overview*
Day 1
9:00am
Welcome
9:30
Content presentation and discussion
10:30
30 minute break
11:00
Breakout groups with peers
1:00pm
Wrap
* Schedule may change and/or vary by specific day
Workshop size minimum
This workshop minimum is 15 participants. If we do not receive the minimum registrations before the class begins, you will have the choice to reschedule for another workshop or receive a full refund.
Remote Events; Cancellation Policy
We understand that plans can change and your workshop may have to wait.
If Participant’s plans change, or if any adjustments from in-person to remote Workshops will not work for Participant, Participant shall email DD at hello@designdept.co as soon as possible. While we cannot transfer Participant’s Workshop ticket or allow for substitutions should you wish to cancel, we may be able to help you with a refund according to the following timelines:
Notice given to DD two (2) or more months before the workshop: Registration is 100% refundable.
Notice given to DD less than two (2) months but more than one (1) month before workshop: DD will refund 50% of Participant’s registration fee.
Notice given to DD less than one (1) month before workshop: Registration is non-refundable.
This policy is subject to change. DD will notify registered participants of any changes to this policy.