Understanding DesignOps
DesignOps is a relatively new term that has emerged in the design industry. It refers to the practices and processes that support the design function within an organization. DesignOps teams are responsible for establishing and maintaining the infrastructure, tools, and workflows that enable great user experiences.
The DesignOps team
It is a critical group of professionals who provide crucial support to designers within an organization. Comprising roles such as a DesignOps manager or director who leads the team, the DesignOps team oversees the operational aspects of design, including process improvement, resource allocation, and tooling. Other roles within the team, such as design systems specialists who develop and maintain design systems and pattern libraries, UX researchers who conduct research to inform design decisions, project managers who coordinate design projects, and content strategists who develop content strategies to support design goals, all play a vital role in enabling designers to achieve their objectives. The DesignOps team also collaborates closely with other departments such as engineering and product management to ensure that their work is aligned and workflow is streamlined, thereby maximizing efficiency and effectiveness.