An interview with Peter Merholz
Peter Merholz has been active in digital and product design for 25 years. Most notably for building premier user experience consultancy, Adaptive Path- and now advising teams on design organisations and leadership.
As co-author of Org Design for Design Orgs, the first book focused on the organisational, managerial, and operational challenges of building in-house design teams- Peter has long been a contributor to the professional design community, through his writing, conference speaking, and events hosting.
We chatted to Peter ahead of his conference talk and workshop at Leading Design New York this March.
What, if anything, has changed in your world since the world changed in 2020?
I launched my one-person consultancy months before the pandemic hit, and I’ve been fortunate that, even with everything going on, companies are investing in design like never before and so I’ve been helping a vast array of businesses elevate their design orgs.
In your opinion, what are the qualities of a good design leader?
Emotional intelligence, compassion, decisiveness, ability to navigate from the biggest picture to the smallest detail without getting lost, doggedness.
Can you tell us about your first design leadership role?
First leadership role: “Creative Director” (what we’d now call Head of Design) at Epinions, an archetypal Web 1.0 dot com. It was a weird time, when 27 year olds would be given such responsibility. I built a team of 5, and we redesigned the site in a year.
What are some of the main challenges that people come to you with?
- How to shape their organization as it scales.
- How to situate design for broader impact and influence.
- How to provide clear and empowering career paths for people in the design team.
- How to recruit and hire at scale.
Any advice for a new design leader?
The skills that got you here are not the skills that will carry you forward. Set aside the design tools, and focus on developing relationships (with your team, with your cross-functional peers), and figuring out how to scale your impact.
What do you think 2022 has in store for up-and-coming designers? Are there any design trends you have seen emerging?
I’m entering 2022 with the spirit of hope. I’m hopeful that up-and-coming designers find great opportunities in companies that treat them with respect. The biggest design trend has been the same for 10 years now — ever greater investment by companies in design and design teams.
Finally, what have you read, watched or listened to in 2021, that’s had an impact on you?
Read: ANATHEM by Neal Stephenson
Watched: Seasons 1–4 of THE WIRE
Listened: According to Need, a podcast about homelessness in the Bay Area
We’re delighted to have Peter host a workshop Design Leadership Fundamentals at LD New York on March 18.
Last few tickets are available now.
Leading Design is brought to you by Clearleft, a strategic design consultancy based in the UK. We work with global brands to design and redesign products and services, bring strategic clarity, and transform digital culture
