Read below about how to Design an Alliance with a cross-functional partner in your org, or skip directly to the Figma Template.

What is this?

The Designed Alliance is a framework for intentionally strategizing your working relationship with a cross-functional designer. Initially created to help designers build and strengthen connections, it’s a versatile activity for anyone seeking to start or reset a partnership. By fostering a shared understanding of working styles, sources of energy, and potential drains, it sets the stage for better alignment and collaboration moving forward.

Why use this?

The prompts in this activity help you and your partner disclose how you work, enabling a candid discussion about working styles and needs.

When should this be used?

This activity is great for kicking off new relationships or refreshing working relationships that could benefit from a reset.

Required materials:

The template provided here is just a starting point. It doesn’t need to rely on FigJam and can even be an offline, face-to-face conversation using just the prompts.

What is the end result?

A more intentional approach to relationship building and heightened transparency about what makes each other tick. Too often, we dive into new working relationships without carving out time to truly get to know one another. That’s what the Designed Alliance is all about!

How to Facilitate

1. The day(s) before: If helpful, provide context ahead of time. When setting up your meeting, include a brief outline of the session and the prompts.

2. The day of:

   • Kickoff: Review the instructions for the activity and its purpose.

   • Part 1 - Prompts 1-5: Spend 5-10 minutes working through the prompts solo. You can set a timer or gauge the timing based on your partner’s process.

   • Part 2 - Pre-read: Before discussing, take a moment to read through each other’s responses.

   • Part 3 - Discussion: Ideally, leave 15-20 minutes to discuss the prompts. Walk through each one systematically or focus on those that stand out.

   • Part 4 - Closing: Show appreciation for the time spent, ask if there are any lingering questions or topics your partner would like to address, and then close the session.

Pro Tip

Keep it light and organic—this guide is meant to provide structure while allowing room for flexibility. If you prefer to use the prompts as conversation starters (laptops closed), that works too!