Recipes for Systemic Change - Helsinki Design Lab

Building a Team105Consider the Whole PersonIt makes no difference whether someone is the top experton the planet on subject XYZ unless they are able to relate toothers and convey their ideas in an open, productive manner.For this reason, look for people who are at the top of theirfield, know their material inside and out, but are also naturallycurious about the world around them and are able to sociablyentertain models that conflict with—or even contradict—theirown.Be (a bit) LocalOne of the great strengths of the HDL Studio format isthat it offers a very fast and focused infusion of outsiders whoare empowered by their ignorance of the local culture to touchtaboos. To take advantage of this we set a rule of thumb forourselves that two of the Studio members would be locals sothere would always be ‘cultural ambassadors’ in the core team.Design is the GlueThe pair of strategic designers work as synthesizersamongst a group of peers. It is their job to ensure that theconversation is balanced and holistic. When recruiting thetwo designers for each Studio we look for one highly-seasonedprofessional for the Design Lead role alongside one who iscloser to the beginning of their career so as to also make ourrecruiting an investment in future design capability.