Bridging the Gap: The UX Designer’s Role in Cross-Functional Collaboration

Clara Yeh | Product Design Leader

I’m a Product Design Leader with 10+ years of experience shaping design strategy, building brilliant teams, and creating thoughtful, user-centred solutions. I’ve led design initiatives that not only make users happy but also drive real business impact — think better retention, happier customers, and stronger products. I’m passionate about enterprise UX, digital transformation, and making design a strategic force inside organisations. I love helping teams grow, bridging the gap between product and design, and turning complexity into clarity. Also very into sticky notes, whiteboard scribbles, and a well-timed meme.

Abstract

Design has the unique power to bring people together — not just around user needs, but around shared purpose and collaboration. In this talk, we’ll explore how UX designers can use creative methods and workshop techniques to help everyone — from C-level leaders to new joiners — find their voice, contribute ideas, and feel ownership in the product journey. Design activities can go beyond user flows and wireframes; they can create space for sales, customer success, business strategy, finance, domain experts, data, tech, and product teams to connect, co-create, and align. Through real-world examples, you’ll see how these moments of collaboration spark imagination, surface valuable insights, and make the work more meaningful for everyone involved.

Join me to discover how design can break silos, energise teams, and build a culture where every perspective is valued — and where better teamwork leads to better experiences.