6 Tips to Scale a Design Team: A Guide for Product Managers

As companies grow, so does the demand for high-quality design teams. However, scaling a design team is easier said than done. Product managers must find the right balance between maintaining the team's culture, managing a growing number of designers, and ensuring the team's output remains consistent. One solution to this problem is hiring remote developers who can complement your in-house team, without compromising on quality. In this blog, we'll explore six tips to help product managers scale their design teams while maintaining quality.

•Invest in a Robust Design System 

Building a comprehensive design system is a crucial step toward scaling your design team. This system should include guidelines on typography, colors, and design elements. A design system will ensure that designers stay on-brand, and their work is cohesive across all products and platforms.

•Set Clear Design Standards 

Setting clear design standards is essential in ensuring the team's output remains consistent, regardless of the designer. These standards should be documented and updated regularly to reflect changes in design trends, user preferences, and company needs.

•Hire the Right Talent 

Hiring the right talent is crucial when scaling a design team. Look for designers with experience in your industry, and who can bring fresh ideas to the table. Hiring remote developers allows you to access a global talent pool and access the best talent without geographical limitations.

•Foster a Collaborative Culture

Designers work best in an environment that fosters collaboration and creativity. Product managers should encourage designers to share their ideas and work together to solve design problems. Remote developers can also contribute to this collaborative culture by bringing diverse perspectives and ideas to the table.

•Embrace Agile Methodologies 

Agile methodologies like Scrum and Kanban can help teams manage their workload and improve their output. These methodologies allow designers to work collaboratively, prioritize tasks, and adapt to changes quickly. This is especially important when working with remote developers who may be in different time zones.

•Leverage Technology 

Technology can streamline design workflows and make it easier for product managers to manage their design teams. Tools like Sketch, Figma, and Invision can improve collaboration and communication, making it easier for remote developers to work with in-house teams.

Conclusion

Scaling a design team requires product managers to invest in a comprehensive design system, set clear design standards, hire the right talent, foster a collaborative culture, embrace agile methodologies, and leverage technology. Hiring remote developers can complement your in-house team, allowing you to access a global talent pool and scale your team without compromising quality. Aspired is a company that specializes in providing remote developers and entire development teams to tech companies, making it easier for product managers to scale their design teams.