Summary
What happens when a global pandemic changes work as we know it? The IBM Patterns Design Education team had to pivot from an immersive, in-person program to an entirely virtual environment in a matter of weeks. That experience left a lasting impact, including recognition from the iF Design Awards! In this session, Umphress will share ideas for making the most of the virtual working experience, including: Being intentional in choosing to conduct live vs asynchronous work sessions Utilizing a solid storytelling model to make challenging situations emotionally fulfilling (e.g.: using Enterprise Design Thinking or incorporating the cadence of “challenges and victories” in the Hero’s Journey) Embracing the opportunity to enrich programs with your organization's experts in design, development, and product management
Key Insights
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IBM’s 'patterns' program shifted from in-person to virtual in just weeks due to COVID-19.
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The program trains designers on Enterprise-level design, not basic design skills.
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Multiple time zones from India to California required thoughtful scheduling and tool choices.
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Dan Harmon's story circle informed the program's emotional arc, building resilience by pushing comfort zones.
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Trello cards were innovatively repurposed to organize asynchronous learning tasks.
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Slack channels facilitated Ask Me Anything sessions, tech support, social interactions, and daily scheduling.
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Virtual social activities like Pictionary and coffee chats helped counteract remote fatigue and isolation.
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Utilizing IBM’s learning management system enabled progress tracking and awarded badges to motivate learners.
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Program cohorts now include global designers and accommodate different experience levels with 101 and 201 tracks.
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Continuous prototyping and feedback from participants, managers, and speakers drive each program iteration.
Notable Quotes
"Everything is a prototype – every program is different in some way based on feedback."
"Below a certain level of discomfort is where resilience is built."
"We have to be intentional about connection in the virtual world."
"Social opportunities actually offset the remote fatigue and isolation that many were feeling."
"I think adults learn best when they can relate new material to what they already know."
"Badges are a big thing at IBM – people get really excited about them."
"We couldn’t deliver this program without support from all levels of management."
"The more people interact virtually, the more natural it will feel over time."
"We offered 101 and 201 tracks to balance content for newer and more experienced designers."
"Continuous learning is important – when people stop learning they get bored and look for something new."
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