We know that design and innovation require ‘outside-the-box’ thinking, risk-taking, radical collaboration, the questioning of assumptions and a ‘fail-fast-learn-fast’ mentality. However, while we acknowledge these elements of an innovation culture, there’s often an insufficient focus on setting up the ‘foundations’ within a team to make this a reality. This presentation focuses on one critical foundation – psychological safety. It explores the connection between a culture of psychological safety and creating new and valued outputs, and in particular, the role that leaders of design teams play in creating a culture that empowers designers to best exhibit their design skills.

Designers and designer leaders alike are invited to question their own role in creating psychological safety for others. This presentation offers a brief background on the relevant research before outlining what this might look like in a ‘typical’ design team and process. I then provide a starting point for discussing how design leaders can better create spaces that empower their teams to feel safe to voice their opinions and be valued for their diversity – both of which are crucial in establishing a culture of genuine innovation.