20 March 2023
Insight Operations Program Manager, Webflow
A TED Talk on inclusive design changed her life and gave her meaning. Design has taught her to appreciate the mundane, to see things in new ways, and to be more humane and empathetic. Dami's response to why design is simple: why not?
BY MITCHELLE CHIBUNDU
I’m an Insight Operations Program Manager at Webflow and I'm also building Vizible, a repository for African products. One of the most rewarding aspects of my job as an ops person is helping people. Whether finding a solution to a problem, improving a process, or providing support, I take great pride in ensuring everyone can do their job easier and better. There's nothing quite like knowing you've positively impacted someone's day.
Tell us about your current role and the most rewarding part of your work
What did you do before what you stated above?
I was a User Researcher at PagerDuty.
It might be a bit corny, but I think the answer is, "why not design?". I only really noticed how much impact the design of things had on people's lives when I took an interest in design. I stumbled on Sinéad Burke's TED Talk on why design should include everyone a couple of weeks before I started my master's program, and it changed my life. That talk gave more context to my thirst for knowledge and framed most of my decisions in graduate school. It was the reason I decided to specialise in design. I realised how vital and impactful design is and how I could positively influence lives with it.
Design taught me to look at things differently and appreciate them no matter how mundane. Design is constantly teaching me to be more humane and empathetic. That was how I found purpose in design and why I chose it.
What inspired you to pursue a career in design?
Vizible Africa. I've been actively working on this project since August 2022, and it's been a fulfilling journey so far. What started as an idea is now blossoming into a valuable product. Making the jump to writing technical articles has stretched me, but seeing the content's impact has been rewarding.
What is something you designed, built or contributed to that you’re utmostly proud of?
When I'm not busy with work, you can find me at the gym, either boxing or lifting weights. I believe in caring for your physical and mental health; exercising is a great way to do both. I'm also quite a foodie and enjoy experimenting with different cuisines. Lately, I've been honing my skills in Japanese & Mexican cooking.
I love exploring my city too. It's rich in history and diversity, and I always dream of discovering hidden gems and local hotspots. There's always something new to see, taste, and experience.
How do you enjoy spending your time when you’re not working?
I'm passionate about giving back and positively impacting wherever possible. In particular, I strongly desire to empower women, especially in the tech industry. As a woman in tech, I understand our challenges and the importance of having more representation in this field. And so, I seek out opportunities to do this.
How has your work impacted the larger community or ecosystem?
“It comes down to being more human and introspective. Company leaders should reflect on times when they have felt excluded or left out and use those experiences as motivation to ensure that people don’t feel the same way.”
Celebrating the work of women in the industry, spotlighting women already doing great things in the industry so that they can inspire other women. Programs and communities focused on women's empowerment and helping more females get into tech are essential. It's important to have a space focused on the growth of women through networking and mentorship.
What, in your opinion, should be done to make more women in design visible?
I heard a talk on Inclusive Design seven years ago, and it struck a chord with me so much that it led me to pursue a career in design. Inclusion is not only necessary but essential to the core of innovation. It's unfair for anyone to feel they don't belong or that the world was not created for them. Everyone deserves to feel a sense of belonging and representation in the things they interact with daily.
Unfortunately, the design industry still places too much emphasis on aesthetics at the expense of inclusion. That being said, inclusion and aesthetics can and should go hand in hand. So, how can companies better prioritise inclusion? For me, it all comes down to being more human and introspective. Company leaders should reflect on times when they have felt excluded or left out and use those experiences as motivation to ensure that people don't feel the same way.
What role does inclusion play in the design industry, and how can companies better prioritise it?
Looking into the future, it's clear that design is becoming more critical. People will become increasingly aware of the power of design to shape our world aesthetically and functionally. Design will play a more significant role in the industry as a core component of every product, service, and experience we create.
In the coming years, we'll see a greater emphasis on creativity and innovation as companies strive to distinguish themselves in an ever-competitive landscape. People will become more mindful of design, not just as a means of standing out but as a way to create meaningful and impactful solutions to real-world problems.
From a life & relationships perspective, design principles and practices will become increasingly normalised and embedded in our daily lives. We'll shift towards a more human-centred world where design is used to create experiences and relationships that lead to more fulfilled lives.
How do you envision the industry evolving in the next decade?
It gets better. Starting something new can feel very overwhelming. I remember feeling the same way when I started my design journey, and it was tough to overcome that initial fear. But it does get better!
The trick is to take it one day at a time and break things down into manageable chunks. It's easy to get overwhelmed when looking at the big picture, so try to focus on the small steps you can take each day to move forward. Every little bit counts, and it all adds up over time.
Is there something you know now, that you wish you knew at the beginning of your career?
What is an interesting and possibly unexpected fact about you?
I used to have a pet rabbit.
What I usually wear, tbh. I'd say a black turtle neck, wide-leg jeans & my trusty Audrick Nappa Doc Martens boots.
What would you wear to a meeting that could potentially change your life?
First off, always prioritise your competence above anything else. Focus on growing your skills and expertise by continuously seeking new knowledge and experiences. Getting caught up in the desire to be popular is easy, but your skills will set you apart and help you succeed in your career.
That said, it's important not to shy away from putting yourself out there. Feel free to show off your work and talk about what you're passionate about. Be confident in your knowledge and abilities, and don't let fear hold you back from pursuing your goals.
What advice would you give to other women pursuing a design career who feel stuck in the journey?
Continue reading
Dinma Aniugbo
Dinma has gone from recreating famous
logos in a photo editing app to designing products for Shopify and launching a job
board to assist designers in exploring
remote and relocation opportunities. She is dedicated to mastering her craft and is
making a real difference with her innovative spirit.