Evo DK #379 - Aligning Design & Engineering Teams

Today's episode is hosted by Sean Thompson and they are joined on the podcast by Halei Liu, Lead UX Designer at Maersk, Dima Bykov, Product Design Director at Pleo HQ, Dora Makszy, Head of Design at Element Logic and Erlingur Bartels Jonsson, VP of UX & Design at Audience Project. The conversation explores how teams can improve collaboration through clearer communication models, shared rituals and a stronger connection between product, design and engineering. Together the guests reflect on the realities of modern product development, offering insight into how expectations, workflows and priorities can be aligned without slowing innovation. This opening discussion also highlights the cultural foundations needed to support effective aligning design and engineering teams across distributed organisations. Later the exchange highlights practical methods for building trust, accelerating decision making and reducing friction in day-to-day delivery. The guests also touch on evolving team structures, scaling challenges and the advantages of adopting adaptable frameworks that can support long-term product quality. The episode provides guidance for leaders and practitioners seeking to refine their ways of working while strengthening cross-disciplinary collaboration. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.