Technically Speaking: The Power of Neurodivergence in Design
Introduction
Here’s a summary of what’s new in today’s release with our special guest, Alexis Cotton, a Design Lead at Meta. I had the pleasure of speaking with her, and our conversation covered a range of topics, from her journey into design to her experiences as a neurodivergent designer. She shared valuable insights into her unique perspective and how it has shaped her approach to work and life. In this article, we will delve deeper into the themes that emerged from our conversation, exploring the power of neurodivergence in design and its implications for the future.
Rediscovering Hobbies and Embracing Change
We began our conversation by discussing her journey of rediscovering hobbies during the pandemic. She highlighted the challenges of finding new activities that align with her interests and the need to adapt to a changing world. She expressed her desire to pick up surfing, a hobby she enjoyed in her younger years, and the potential for finding a community of like-minded individuals at Meta. Her openness to change and her willingness to explore new experiences exemplify the resilience and adaptability required in today's rapidly evolving world.
"I'm in the market for some new hobbies… It's been a year and a half since I've been here in LA. And I'm now trying to rediscover what my hobbies are. And so I think I'm going to try to pick up surfing, which I did when I was younger."
- Alexis Cotton
The Art of Storytelling in Design
One of the key themes that emerged from our conversation was the importance of storytelling in design. Alexis emphasized the need for designers to articulate their work effectively to their colleagues and stakeholders. She highlighted the role of storytelling in persuading and influencing others and how it can expedite career growth. Her expertise in packaging her work and crafting clear narratives has allowed her to have a significant impact on the direction of projects. It has positioned her as a thought leader within her organization.
"Your design work is only as great as the way that you can articulate it… Being able to package your work and articulate it in a way that persuades people and influences people to follow along is really important."
- Alexis Cotton
The Power of Neurodivergence in Design
A significant aspect of our conversation revolved around Alexis's neurodivergence and how it shaped her design approach. She shared her realization that her brain functions in ways that are similar to those on the autism spectrum and how this understanding has allowed her to appreciate her unique perspective. She discussed the challenges she faced growing up, such as social difficulties and struggles with communication, and how she overcame them through preparation and practice. Her ability to focus intensely on tasks and her devotion to routine have become strengths she leverages in her work as a designer.
"If I look at the traits of someone on the autism spectrum who is high functioning, my brain works and functions in similar ways… I've been so strong in this presentation area and packaging stories and facilitating sprints for teams that sometimes the pixel pushing is hard for me."
- Alexis Cotton
Embracing Remote Work and Finding Balance
As the world transitions to remote work, Alexis shared her perspective on finding the right balance between work and life. She acknowledged the fear of missing out on office interactions but emphasized the need to prioritize individual preferences and productivity. She highlighted the benefits of remote work, such as increased focus and the ability to create a conducive environment for deep work. Her insights serve as a reminder that each individual's work style is unique, and organizations should consider the diverse needs of their employees when designing their work policies.
"I do my best work at home where I can focus and get things done very quickly and still have a life outside of work… I would just challenge people to think about what's best for them to balance work and life."
- Alexis Cotton
Conclusion and Future Outlook
Alexis and I also explored the power of neurodivergence in design and its impact on individuals and organizations. Her journey of self-discovery and her ability to leverage her unique perspective as a neurodivergent designer highlights the importance of embracing diversity in the workplace. As we navigate a rapidly changing world, creating environments that foster inclusivity and empower individuals to bring their whole selves to work is crucial. By embracing neurodivergence and valuing its strengths, we can unlock new possibilities and drive innovation in the design field.
As we look to the future, organizations need to recognize and support the diverse needs of their employees. Organizations can create an environment where all individuals can thrive by providing flexible work arrangements and fostering a culture of inclusivity. Designers like Alexis Cotton serve as role models, demonstrating the power of embracing one's unique perspective and leveraging it to drive meaningful change. By embracing neurodivergence and valuing the strengths it brings, we can create a more inclusive and innovative future for the field of design.
What’s Next:
Listen to today’s new release on Apple Podcasts to learn more about Alexis Cotton and Neurodivergence and Storytelling in the Workplace.