In the Human-Centred Design (HCD) and Design Thinking landscape, delivering exceptional value to users remains the goal. However, achieving this goal necessitates not only individual ingenuity but also seamless teamwork, with each member playing a pivotal role. This is where the H.E.A.R. method emerges as a cornerstone for success.
H for Humility:
Humility, often misunderstood as a weakness, emerges as a potent catalyst in the realm of design innovation. Embracing humility entails recognising both our own strengths and weaknesses while respecting the diverse expertise of our team members. Quick tips for applying humility include acknowledging and learning from mistakes and not falling in love with your ideas. Adopting these two mindsets will help foster a culture of continuous improvement.
Recommended reading: Explore the psychological dimensions of humility through June Tangney’s seminal research on the subject.
E for Empathy:
Empathy, a fundamental pillar of human-centred design, extends beyond understanding user needs. In the context of teamwork, empathy encompasses understanding the challenges faced by fellow team members. Designers must empathise with the technical constraints and considerations of their engineering colleagues; likewise, engineers must empathise with the user needs designers unearth in their research. Empathy is key to foster a culture of mutual support and collaboration.
Recommended reading: Check out these practical tips on how to avoid collaboration pitfalls.
A for Appreciation:
Expressing appreciation is paramount for nurturing a positive team dynamic and driving sustained motivation. However, it is essential to distinguish between genuine appreciation and mere flattery. Recognising and celebrating the contributions of team members, both publicly and privately, reinforces a culture of appreciation and fosters a sense of belonging.
Recommended Reading: Delve into Chapter 2 of Dale Carnegie’s How to win friends and influence people.
R for Responsibility:
Responsibility serves as a complementary force to empathy, instilling a sense of accountability for one another's success and well-being. Taking ownership of tasks, sharing knowledge proactively, and collaborating on problem-solving initiatives are integral aspects of responsible teamwork. By cultivating a culture of shared responsibility, teams can navigate challenges effectively and achieve collective success.
Recommended listening: Lenny’s Podcast with Maggie Crowley
By embracing the H.E.A.R. method as a guiding framework, individuals can mirror these principles within themselves and their teams, fostering collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. Ultimately, this collective effort translates into the delivery of meaningful and impactful solutions for users, solidifying the success of any human-centred design endeavour.
Interested in knowing more? Let's chat
Acknowledgement of Country
Symplicit acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Custodians of where we live and work. We acknowledge their continuing connections to land, place, water, and community and pay our respects to Elders past and present, recognising their strength, diversity, resilience, and deep connections to Country.
Our studios sit on the Country of the Gadigal People of Sydney, the Wurundjeri People of Melbourne, the Turrbal People of Brisbane, and the Kaurna People of Adelaide.
WiradjuriShakiya. (2021). Gurudhanny's Journey. [Acrylic on Canvas]. HCL Australia.
Used with the written permission of the artist.
