@@ -106,7 +106,7 @@ Tools and technology will enable a company to operate efficiently, but ensuring
Remote collaboration requires an alignment of [principles and values](/handbook/values/) as a baseline for stakeholders. Creating mental methods, or frameworks, for collaborators sets a clear roadmap for expectations, ethics, and goals.
> "Without the principles and an understanding of which decision-making framework to use and when, people could apply the wrong tool to the job," — *Mike Long, UX Manager, GitLab*
> "Without the principles and an understanding of which decision-making framework to use and when, people could apply the wrong tool to the job," — *UX Manager*
## Collaborative whiteboarding supports diversity, inclusion and belonging
@@ -120,9 +120,9 @@ Collaborative whiteboarding has positive impacts to diversity, inclusion and bel
The most important aspect of collaboration meetings is to [have an agenda](/handbook/company/culture/all-remote/). Creating an agenda helps to cover everything and sets a plan for the scheduled discussion. It also makes it easier for those who didn't attend to feel included by having a document they can review after the meeting. Not everyone will always be in the meeting, but they can stay up-to-date as long as the meeting is documented, [encouraging clear communication](https://about.gitlab.com/blog/2019/12/23/six-key-practices-that-improve-communication/). Google Docs is a collaborative, real-time tool to take notes, share decisions, and keep all stakeholders informed.
Most design discussions and decisions at GitLab are created and worked in [GitLab Issues](../gitlab-for-remote/). Recently, [Design Management](https://docs.gitlab.com/ee/user/project/issues/design_management.html) was released in order for designers to upload images and make comments in the same platform that Product Managers and Developers use.
Most design discussions and decisions at GitLab are created and worked in [GitLab Issues](../gitlab-for-remote/).
> "The most important thing to remember when designing remotely is: document, document, document," — *Christie Lenneville, Director of UX, GitLab*
> "The most important thing to remember when designing remotely is: document, document, document," — *Director of UX*
### Company handbook
@@ -132,7 +132,7 @@ At GitLab, we believe that "everyone can contribute." The company handbook is wh
Since the inception of GitLab, [iteration](https://about.gitlab.com/blog/2020/02/04/power-of-iteration/) has been one of six core values and steers the creation of product development. Making many small changes has been a way to make improvements faster.
> "To a UX researcher iteration means something different to me than other people. The value of iteration should encourage people to change directions when they find answers to their questions. Iteration should be a stop-gap measure to say 'This is not the right solution. We will stop and reassess and rethink what is the right solution to this problem." — *Lorie Whitaker, Senior UX Researcher, GitLab*
> "To a UX researcher iteration means something different to me than other people. The value of iteration should encourage people to change directions when they find answers to their questions. Iteration should be a stop-gap measure to say 'This is not the right solution. We will stop and reassess and rethink what is the right solution to this problem." — *Senior UX Researcher*
### Zoom for all
@@ -142,7 +142,7 @@ Any meeting at GitLab happens over a [Zoom call](/handbook/communication/zoom).
Slack is generally accepted as an [informal method of communication](/handbook/company/culture/all-remote/). Slack channels can be created easily for various groups or individuals. If there are questions or comments that require a quick response, Slack is the best way to get in touch with a co-worker. Slack is a fast way to collaborate on a topic without having to schedule a meeting in advance.
> "Pinging someone on slack is like bumping into them in the hallway," — *Alexis Ginsberg, Senior Product Designer at GitLab*
> "Pinging someone on slack is like bumping into them in the hallway," — *Senior Product Designer*
## Synchronous collaboration
@@ -155,13 +155,13 @@ Synchronous work within a standard organization makes sense. Work starts and end
Schedule meetings with a co-worker. Meeting in pairs allows for some serious one-on-one face time to collaborate on challenges and goals. This time permits each attendee to share what they're working on and potentially share projects that they might not be familiar with. With Zoom, the screen sharing option lets you get hands on with your meeting partner's work.
At GitLab, the [Pair Design program](/handbook/product/ux/how-we-work/design-pair-rotation/) was launched to connect a product designer with a design peer who is within the same time zone, but works on a different part of the product. Each pair meets for six months and then they are swapped out to give everyone exposure to different ideas, product areas, and collaborations.
At GitLab, the [Pair Design program](/handbook/product/ux/product-design/design-pair-rotation/) was launched to connect a product designer with a design peer who is within the same time zone, but works on a different part of the product. Each pair meets for six months and then they are swapped out to give everyone exposure to different ideas, product areas, and collaborations.
> "I have loved working with each of my 'pairs' in UX! Usually we meet once a week for 30 minutes to an hour and spend about half the time each talking about something that is top of mind for us.
>
> Sometimes it is just discussing some process or higher level stuff; most of the time we are sharing our screens in Zoom and walking through Sketch, Figma, Axure, someone's branch, etc. to talk through design challenges we are having.
>
> The most exciting part of this to me is getting to really dive into a space that I don't get as much exposure to – also getting to know another designer and having that dedicated time just for us." — *Alexis Ginsberg, Senior Product Designer at GitLab*
> The most exciting part of this to me is getting to really dive into a space that I don't get as much exposure to – also getting to know another designer and having that dedicated time just for us." — *Senior Product Designer*
### Group syncs
@@ -190,7 +190,7 @@ Digitally documented design with videos is a helpful way to keep the creative ed
> "In these videos, we lay out the rationale behind our designs and also offer information about other options we thought about and decided against. In certain situations, it also makes sense to add additional background about our long-term vision.
>
> One of the many positive outcomes from this approach is that even team members who have only been minimally involved are now empowered to provide feedback, add their own ideas, or provide us with additional information about the amount of work our ideas will require." — *[Christie Lenneville](/handbook/company/team/#clenneville), Director of UX, GitLab*
> One of the many positive outcomes from this approach is that even team members who have only been minimally involved are now empowered to provide feedback, add their own ideas, or provide us with additional information about the amount of work our ideas will require." — *Director of UX*
### Sketch workshops
@@ -200,7 +200,7 @@ At GitLab, [Async sketch workshops](https://about.gitlab.com/blog/2020/03/27/asy
GitLab's policy is to [dogfood everything](https://about.gitlab.com/blog/2020/01/30/insights/). Issues and merge requests are where the majority of collaboration occur. GitLab design issues are works in progress, feedback is welcome and expected, and everyone is encouraged to contribute. The platform's transparency helps remote teams interface to produce better products faster.
> "I really enjoy reviewing MRs and being able to check out branches on my own instead of relying on others to walk me through things at their desk or sending me to an app like I may have had to do in the past. I can be reviewing something for someone while they sleep...it feels like we are better able to support and collaborate with each other and work on efforts together." — *[Alexis Ginsberg](https://gitlab.com/uhlexsis), Senior Product Designer, GitLab*
> "I really enjoy reviewing MRs and being able to check out branches on my own instead of relying on others to walk me through things at their desk or sending me to an app like I may have had to do in the past. I can be reviewing something for someone while they sleep...it feels like we are better able to support and collaborate with each other and work on efforts together." — *Senior Product Designer*
Inspired by the [Product Designer pairing program](/handbook/product/ux/how-we-work/design-pair-rotation), UX Researchers can take part in their own pairing offering: **UX Research pairings**.
Inspired by the [Product Designer pairing program](/handbook/product/ux/product-design/design-pair-rotation), UX Researchers can take part in their own pairing offering: **UX Research pairings**.
