DesignOps - Optimising Design Workflows, Resources & Collaboration
Client: Shell Plc Market: Oil & Gas, Renewable Energy
Brief: Optimise design workflows, resources and collaboration for a 180-strong Experience Design team and support business analysts with design training
Website: shell.co.uk
Working in DesignOps within a company like Shell has significant impact on the efficiency, effectiveness, and innovation of design processes. DesignOps, which focuses on optimising design workflows, collaboration, and resources, is essential for ensuring that the Experience Design teams can work smoothly and deliver high-quality results.
Here are some of the ways I supported DesignOps, Shell's Experience Design team and overall operations:
Process Streamlining: Helped streamline design processes, making them more efficient and reducing bottlenecks. This allowed designers to focus on their core creative work rather than getting bogged down by administrative tasks.
Resource Allocation: Assisted in managing design resources effectively, ensuring designers have the tools, software, and support they need to produce their best work.
Consistency and Standards: Maintaining consistent design standards and guidelines is crucial, especially in a large company like Shell. I helped establish and enforce these standards, contributing to a cohesive visual identity and brand presence.
Version Control and Asset Management: Implemented systems for version control and efficient asset management, making it easier for designers to access and update design files collaboratively.
Training and Skill Development: Provided training and professional development opportunities for designers, helping them stay updated with the latest design tools, techniques, and industry trends.
Feedback and Iteration: I established feedback loops that allow designers to receive constructive feedback from colleagues and stakeholders, leading to continuous improvement and iteration of design concepts. As well as for designers to feedback.
User Research and Testing: I coordinated and performed user research and testing, ensuring that design decisions are informed by user feedback and data-driven insights.
Adaptation to Change: In a company as dynamic as Shell, I helped design teams adapt quickly to changes in project requirements, industry trends, or market demands.
My role within DesignOps at Shell contributed to the overall ongoing success of the Experience Design team and the company's ability to deliver practical and visually appealing solutions. By optimising design operations, I helped Shell stay competitive, innovative, and responsive in the ever-evolving energy industry.
Research
Conducted in-depth interviews with designers across different teams to understand their challenges with accessing design tools and their proficiency with Figma. Common issues emerged, including long approval wait times and limited training resources.
Analysed the existing tool access request process. Mapped the steps involved, identified stakeholders, and noted that the process involved manual email approvals, causing delays.
Administered surveys and conducted skill assessment tests to gauge designers' familiarity with Figma. The results showed a significant range of skills, from basic to advanced.
Researched best practices in tool access and training from leading companies in both the energy sector and the broader design field. Identified opportunities to simplify processes and enhance training offerings.
Solutions Delivered
Efficient Tool Access Request Process
Developed a streamlined tool access request system integrated with Shell's internal platform.
Created a user-friendly online form where designers could select the tools they needed access to based on their roles and projects.
Automated approval workflows were set up to route requests to the appropriate stakeholders, reducing manual intervention.
Figma Training Program
Developed a comprehensive Figma training program tailored to designers and business analysts with varying levels of proficiency.
Created modular online training modules hosted on Shell's learning management system.
Modules covered Figma basics, advanced features, and collaboration techniques.
Exercises and quizzes were included to reinforce learning, and real-world design scenarios were integrated to encourage practical application.
Resource Center
Designed and launched an internal resource centre accessible via Shell's intranet.
The resource centre housed tool guides, best practices, FAQs, and troubleshooting tips for design tools and Figma.
Regularly updated with user-contributed tips and solutions to common design tool challenges.
Below you will find a couple of deliverables previously mentioned. Further down, you will find a breakdown of the Figma training program evaluation survey I created and sent out post-training.
Request Tool Access Service Blueprint as it stand today
New Request Tool Access Form
Figma Training Program - Post Evaluation Survey
Objective
The objective of this feedback survey is to gather insights from designers at Shell who have participated in the Figma training program. I created the survey to assess the effectiveness of these initiatives, identify areas of improvement, and gather suggestions for further enhancements.
Audience
I targeted designers and business analysts across various teams and experience levels within Shell who have taken part in the Figma training program.
Method
The survey was distributed electronically through email, with a link to an online survey platform. Participants were encouraged to provide honest and constructive feedback based on their experiences with the following possible responses; Strongly disagree, disagree, agree, strongly agreed.
Key Questions
Overall, I was satisfied with the quality of the training?
The structure of the training was clear
Delivery of training was of a high standard
Training resources were intellectually stimulating
The content of the training was informed by relevant practice
The introduction of the training adequately prepared and informed me of the requirements to successfully engage with the session
The training provided opportunities to interact with others and share knowledge, ideas and perspectives
There were opportunities to provide in-training feedback on the delivery of the training and learning resources provided
Feedback on my tasks during the training helped me monitor my progress and understanding
The training was well managed and organised
The instructor's expertise was valuable
I was able to contact the instructor if I needed to
The EXD team's expectation regarding Business Analyst responsibilities as part of the design process was clear
All learning tasks and in-training materials supported my understanding of Figjam
I was satisfied with the brief introduction to the Shell Design System
I rate my overall experience of the training
What else would you like to share with us about your experience (optional)
May we contact you to follow up on these responses
Survey Results
Out of the 21 emails sent to participants for the Figma Training Evaluation Survey. We had 13 responses.
Find below summary of the findings:
11 respondents (85%) agreed or strongly agreed that:
They were satisfied with the quality of training
The structure of the training was clear
Training resources were intellectually stimulating
The training content was informed by relevant practice
The introduction of the training adequately prepared and informed them of the requirements to successfully engage with the session
The training was well managed and organised
The instructor's expertise was valuable
They were able to contact the instructor if they needed to
10 respondents (77%) agreed or strongly agreed that:
Delivery of training was of a high standard
There were opportunities to provide in-training feedback on the delivery of the training and learning resources provided
The EXD team's expectation regarding Business Analyst responsibilities as part of the design process was clear
All learning tasks and in-training materials supported their understanding of Figjam
They were satisfied with the brief introduction to the Shell Design System
They rated their overall experience of the training as excellent
8 respondents (62%) agreed or strongly agreed that:
Feedback on their tasks during the training helped them monitor their progress and understanding
5 respondents (38%) were neutral about whether the training provided opportunities to interact with others and share knowledge, ideas and perspectives; while 10 respondents (62%) agreed or strongly agreed that the training provided interactive opportunities.
In response to whether we could contact them to follow-up on the responses above, 8 respondents (62%) said they would like to be contacted.
This case study demonstrates how, within Shell's DesignOps team, challenges in tool access and Figma proficiency were addressed through comprehensive research, innovative solutions, and proactive engagement with stakeholders, resulting in improved efficiency, collaboration, and knowledge empowerment among designers at Shell.