With a background in consulting and digital strategy, Andrew Hogan, the Head of Insights at Figma, has a wealth of knowledge in understanding industry trends, the challenges of software integration, and the role of design executives.
Yet, what might be his greatest challenge came from an unexpected exploration into the impact of technology and design on parenting.
"Understanding how technology impacts parenting at various child-development stages is crucial," says Andrew, whose multifaceted background has helped inform his approach at Figma, a company celebrated for its innovative design tools.
Andrew sat down with Awkward Silences to explore a broad range of topics, from design collaboration and digital transformation, to the nuanced interplay between technology and parenting.
🎙️ Listen to the full episode
A changing research—and work—landscape
A significant portion of Hogan's work at Figma involves scrutinizing digital transformation and the evolving role of software. Generative AI, for one, is this dynamic, yet often misunderstood, technology that has taken workflows by storm.
He cited a study by Artefact finding that teams using generative AI experienced a 40% increase in discussions and invigorating conversations, despite sometimes diverging into unnecessary territories.
📚 Further reading: The 2024 AI in UX Research Report
The 3 key mindsets for leaders
The way we work is changing, which means leaders have to adapt as well. Andrew outlined three key mindsets essential for design executives: the Intrapreneur, Design Visionary, and Strategic Unifier, as referenced by the Design Executive Council in a recent report.
Each mindset, though crucial, comes with its own set of strengths and challenges. Leaders often display a 'spikiness,' leaning heavily towards one mindset but requiring a balanced approach that considers all three. This holistic perspective is what enables leaders to align with company priorities and maintain group cohesion more effectively.
💡Check out the UX Designer's Guide to User Research
The creator economy and its impact on the workplace
In practice, this cohesive leadership mindset has been challenged by a growing creator economy and its growing influence within company cultures, Andrew has found.
Work environments are increasingly mirroring external content-driven spaces, and suddenly employees must now act like content creators to communicate messages and gain influence. This shift demands a delicate balance to avoid content overload while fostering effective knowledge sharing at Figma.
It’s also about encouraging discussion and sharing of ideas, Andrew says, while leaning into a core research tenet—embedding a culture of open communication and continuous learning into their approach moving forward.
Episode odds and ends
- Check out FigBrew—Figma's internal podcast hosted by Andrew that is now available publicly—in an effort to promote greater knowledge sharing
- Andrew’s research has led him down multiple paths, including an analysis of American growth through sweet potato consumption
- FigJam, the company’s virtual collaboration tool, got its start as sticky notes in Figma
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