Scaling Design Culture

Key Insights

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  Pinterest’s co-founder Evan Sharp, a designer, ensures design has a strong seat at the company’s decision table.

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  The design team at Pinterest grew over 650% in three years, from 10 to 75 members, emphasizing diverse global representation.

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  Cross-functional teams combining designers, engineers, and product managers work collaboratively on roadmap and launch decisions.

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  Internal events like NITCON inspire employees with classes, keynotes, and social activities, supporting culture and learning.

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  Non-glamorous tasks such as design standard updates are gamified using events like Bash Bingo Days to maintain motivation.

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  The Workshop program acts as an innovation incubator where designers collaborate away from their desks to solve product problems.

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  Hiring focuses on portfolio presentation, deep product knowledge (both strengths and flaws), and cultural fit prioritizing humility.

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  Program managers (called producers) buffer designers from meeting overload and distractions, improving focus and productivity.

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  Diversity is a key pillar, with one in three designers from international backgrounds, to better understand users worldwide.

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  Maintaining culture at scale involves deliberate slow hiring, integrating diverse skill sets, and evolving shared learning programs.

Notable Quotes