Oct 21, 2014
surroundings or conditions
“We shape our tools and thereafter our tools shape us.”
Marshall McLuhan
SGLibrary http://www.flickr.com/photos/sglibrary/5499883074/sizes/l/in/photostream/ Source: Flickr, Monicaʼs Dad
SGLibrary http://www.flickr.com/photos/sglibrary/5499883074/sizes/l/in/photostream/Source: Flickr, Voka - Kamer van Koophandel Limburg
Source: Flickr, Jokigen
Intentional environment
UX happens
UX happens (whether you design it or not)
Environment happens (whether you design it or not)
Setting up the conditions that foster great work
"What we can do is construct an environment that nurtures trusting and respectful relationships and unleashes everyone’s creativity.”
Ed Catmull, PresidentWalt Disney Animation Studios & Pixar Animation Studios
Designing an intentionalenvironment
Intentional environments in 4 simple steps
Intentional environments in 4 simple steps
1 Declare your intent
Intentional environments in 4 simple steps
1 Declare your intent
2 Take actions based on that intentyou
Intentional environments in 4 simple steps
1 Declare your intent
2 Take actions based on that intent
3 Activate the environment for others
team team
team
teamteam
team you
Intentional environments in 4 simple steps
1 Declare your intent
2 Take actions based on that intent
3 Activate the environment for others
4 Repeat for every project
team team
team
teamteam
team you
Reflect the unique players and circumstances of each project
Reflect the unique players and circumstances
Source: Flickr Opposite of Super
Clear the deck so people can participate in a new way
Show respect & care for the people in the environment
Source: Flickr SerenityRose
Principles & Practices
PixarPrinciple: It must be safe for everyone to offer ideas
Practice: Work-in-progress is shown to the entire crew for crit
ImprovPrinciple: Build upon ideas
Practice: “Yes, and...”
Source: Flickr, Mild Mannered Photographer
Adaptive PathPrinciple: Have mutual respect for each other’s point of view
Practice: 5 minute madness
Rail EuropePrinciple: One big team
Practice: Find ways to celebrate our clients
Anyone can activate an environment
Source: Flickr, LaughingRhoda
Now YOU!
Think back to something wonderful that happened to you on a project. (Something that you’d like to see happen again.)
Think back to something wonderful that happened to you on a project. (Something that you’d like to see happen again.)
What conditions made that wonderful thing possible?
Now, jot down a principle that
could enable it to happen.
A statement that serves
as the foundation for a
system of behavior or
belief.
ie: What’s the intent?
practiceprinciple
An activity or behavior
that people can do that
brings the principle alive
and makes it visible.
ie: What can we do?
Now, write down a practice that you and others
can do to make it happen.
A statement that serves
as the foundation for a
system of behavior or
belief.
ie: What’s the intent?
practiceprinciple
An activity or behavior
that people can do that
brings the principle alive
and makes it visible.
ie: What can we do?
Without talking, show & share
with a neighbor.
Start each day
with a fresh
& clear mind.
practice
principle
Tidy up the
project space at
the end of each
day.
Encourage team members to take risks.
practice
principle
Hold a weekly “yes, and” session to
push the design in unexpected directions.
You have in your hands your next intentional environment.
Encourage team members to take risks.
practiceprinciple
Hold a weekly “yes, and” session to push the design in unexpected directions.
Environments happen.Make them intentional.