A living guide to build a cohesive design practice
As our studio began to expand, we wanted to capture what made IBM Design special while creating a clear, welcoming path for new designers. The Studio Guide became that anchor—part cultural handbook, part practical toolkit. It covered everything from our design standards and leadership paths to navigating remote collaboration with large teams, which was new territory for many early-career designers.
I led the effort, shaping the content and structure in partnership with design leadership and ensuring it reflected both the craft and the culture of our growing studio.
Our approach
To make the guide feel personal and easy to navigate, we structured it around a designer’s journey at IBM Design. The sections moved outward like a target:
You at IBM – setting expectations and helping designers find their footing.
You and your career – outlining leadership paths and growth opportunities.
You and your team – guiding collaboration, including working with large remote groups.
You and the studio – capturing the culture and practicalities of our shared space, right down to navigating the building and finding the coffee machine.
Reflections
For me, the Studio Guide was as much about capturing a feeling as it was about documenting standards. It was a chance to design something that welcomed people in, made the unknown a little less intimidating, and reflected the heart of our growing studio.
Even as the studio evolved, the guide remained a touchstone—proof that design isn’t just what we make, but how we work and grow together.