Create business value through design
As creatives, we believe in the value of design. But to amplify its visibility and impact, we need to integrate our creative practices with the objectives of the business.
This design leadership training helps creatives at all levels develop basic business acumen and perspectives that apply directly to their day-to-day responsibilities. It’s an extremely accessible workshop that helps participants understand common business terms and acronyms and make the connection between business and design.
An understanding of business basics can accelerate a design career from day one and is an essential requirement for operating at the executive level.
Please note this is a four-part series. Participants must attend all sessions:
February 24, 2025 from 9-1pm PT
March 4, 2025 from 9-1pm PT
March 11, 2025 from 9-1pm PT
March 18, 2025 from 9-1pm PT
$2,200
What participants are saying
“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.”
Designing Businesses:
is a live, remote workshop (sessions will not be recorded)
is a 4-part series (each part is 4 hours)
is appropriate for all levels and roles
includes access to the Design Dept. community Slack channel for ongoing discussion, support, and learning from other leaders
equips you with a personal printed workbook that includes workshop content and exercises
helps you develop a map of your business’s unique ecosystem
What you'll learn
In this leadership workshop, you’ll find the answers to these questions and more:
Why do designers need to understand the business?
What’s a P&L (and why should I care)?
How does a business leader think about creating value?
What’s the difference between strategy and tactics?
How do I align with my organization’s business strategy?
How do I convince the business to focus on user needs?
How do I communicate the impact of design quality?
How can I use design to create impact in the business?
Why should I care about business metrics?
How do I influence leaders?
Who should attend
For Individual Contributors and Managers (all levels, all roles) in creative disciplines. Creative functions include (but are not limited to):
Product design
Brand design
Content design/strategy
Research
Creative ops
Session overview
Business basics
Design creates experiences for people—that’s one of the reasons we love it. But we can create those experiences only when we (and our design work) are part of a sustainable business. This session helps creatives contextualize the value of design within a business by providing an easy-to-understand overview of common business models and financial tools.
Business strategy
It’s difficult to illustrate the value of design if there’s no alignment with business strategy. This session explores different business strategies, clarifies organizational strengths and risks, and connects the day-to-day work of creatives to business strategy.
Product dynamics
Business priorities shift based on the stage and maturity of a product. However, the mindsets and goals driving those shifts aren’t always clear to creative teams. This session explores trade-offs and opportunities through the product maturity cycle and gives an overview of how to create impact at any stage.
Crafting debates
Key interactions with executives and leadership teams can often feel like debates. This session builds on concepts from the previous sessions to help creatives craft and facilitate logic-driven and business-centric narratives that foster trust and understanding among peers and leaders.
A note on remote
Our remote workshop formats are highly interactive, providing multiple opportunities for you to learn from our facilitators and from other leaders in the Zoom room.
No preparation or homework is required. We don’t expect you to do anything before the workshop other than create the space and time for focusing with us.
We do expect participants to show up ready to contribute. We also ask that you keep cameras on during conversational sections, so find a place where you can do that comfortably. We don’t mind pets, kids, or partners walking around in the background—it’s life these days!
Each workshop is:
taught live by one of our instructors via Zoom
a blend of lecture, solo reflection, group discussion, and small-group activities
mindful of the importance of safe spaces (breakout rooms) for small-group activities
an opportunity to learn and grow
accompanied by your own printed workbook to use in solo and group activities
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.