As designers, we observe users’ behavioural patterns in order to identify problems and needs and eventually improve the experience. But just like the proverbial shoemaker’s kids often go barefoot, we tend to apply the tools of our trade to others while ignoring their relevance to our own work experience.
Why is it relevant to observe behavioural patterns at work? Because satisfaction in the workplace depends on the people we collaborate with as much as it depends on our tasks. Fraught interactions with others can feel more exhausting than long hours – and they often impact the quality of products and services, which is even more frustrating.
This talk outlines common dysfunctional collaboration patterns and their pitfalls. Since framing a problem is already half of the solution, it will also offer impulses how teams and individuals can hack their way out of a destructive team dynamic. We already hold the tools in our hands.
