Photo: Antti Rastivo

Gofore’s design department is filled with talented professionals, but with over 100 designers — many working remotely — creating a strong, cohesive design culture requires a deliberate approach. When the Lead Expert role was created I got my chance to strengthen our sense of community, raise the profile of Gofore Design, and ultimately support sales by making our expertise more visible.

Background & Challenge

As a UX Designer and Lead Expert, I contribute both as a hands-on designer and as a leader shaping our internal design culture. Here’s a look on some of the challenges that I'm currently tackling:

• Gofore’s design department is large, and many of our designers work remotely, making it challenging to foster a strong, connected community. Our designers didn’t always feel connected, and informal learning wasn’t happening as often as it could. We also needed a way discuss and anticipate potential future needs in terms of our skills.

• The broader industry could see better the depth of expertise within Gofore Design.

• Our portfolio materials aren’t always as compelling as they could be when pitching work to clients.

To address these challenges and set direction, I’m now collaborating with other lead experts, our team leader, and the head of design services to build better structures for knowledge sharing, professional growth, and industry visibility.

MY ROLE

In my leadership role, I’ve initiated and developing several key efforts:  

Team cohesion & rituals: I established monthly knowledge-sharing sessions and occasional after-work events to encourage collaboration, peer learning, and informal networking among designers.  

Strengthening Gofore Design’s visibility: I’m currently drafting a plan to raise the profile of Gofore Design, including content creation, public engagement, and showcasing our expertise.  

Design portfolio practices: To improve how our work is presented and drive sales, I’m developing and streamlining  portfolio practices across our design teams, ensuring we communicate our designers’ skills and expertise effectively to clients.  

WHAT HAS CHANGED SO FAR?

• More connection, even in a remote setting. Our monthly case presentations and after-work events—have strengthened our sense of team.
  
  

WHAT IS GOING TO CHANGE?

• A clearer, stronger presence for Gofore Design. We’re starting to communicate our expertise in a way that gets noticed.

• Better tools to showcase our work. Stronger portfolio materials mean we’re better positioned to win new projects.

This is a fairly new position for me and many of the changes are still in the works. I will follow up with new material later on!