WELCOME TO SECTION FOUR
Connecting Design to Conversation
4.2
Designing for… common ground & understanding
In the search for fruitful difference, what do conversation designers need to consider?
This post explores the topic of designing to meet the first identified need of human conversation (establishing understanding) by discussing three important areas to consider: why tension is essential, the strategic use of verbal signifiers, and how visuals aid us in remembering valuable information.
4.3
Design for… trust
How can well designed conversation help build bridges of trust between people?
This post explores the topic of designing to meet the second identified need of human conversation (establishing trust) by discussing three important areas to consider: how the right team leader sets the tone, why pacing teams should also mean including time to slow down and reflect, and the importance of developing true rapport through interviewing.
4.4
Design for… active listening
What role can conversation designers play in encouraging better storytelling in business?
This post explores the topic of designing to meet the third identified need of human conversation (active listening) by discussing the considerations for either side of the ear: the responsibility of the ‘talker’ to tell curated, purposeful, engaging stories, and the responsibility of the ‘listener’ to put aside distractions and truly plug in.
4.5
Design for… humor & play
How does playfulness in conversation allow people to be more open minded?
This post explores the topic of designing to meet the forth identified need of human conversation (including playfulness) by discussing two important areas to consider: how the concept of holding multiple truths at once (parallel thinking) can encourage people to step outside themselves, and how effective facilitation helps people let go and get creative.
