A profound statement by Executive Head of Design, Terry Behan serving as a reminder that failure is an integral part of the journey. Terry urged attendees to design and aim for the stars, cautioning against the colonisation of the unconscious by mediocrity.

In our pursuit of excellence and experience obsession, the guiding light in finding product – market fit and commercial fit, is our problem-solving and innovation process, the anchor of this process being the golden thread throughout the design value chain and ecosystem. According to the Head of Design Strategy, Ramo Phalatse, we must ensure that we do 'the right stuff, right'.

‘So, WTF are heuristics?’ asked Head of Product Design: Onboarding, Louise Salemink. The room went silent, hanging on every word. She went on to explain that heuristics are the mental shortcuts or rules of thumb that people use to make decisions and solve problems quickly, often based on limited information or previous experiences. However, she cautioned that relying solely on heuristics can lead to biases and errors in judgement. She advocated for the use of empathy to navigate these biases, advocating for continuous exploration of market fit, rigorous measurement and continuous testing.

The curtain fell on this enlightening day with a presentation by Ronnie Handukani, Head of Product Design, which centred around the theme of 'Growing as a designer'. Ronnie emphasised that while there exists a roadmap for growth and self-actualisation in the world of design, one must still approach one’s career with intention. This entails learning on the job, drawing insights from peers, and embracing formal education.

The Nedbank Experience Exchange 2023 was a celebration of ideas, collaboration and personal growth. As the echoes of insights reverberate, the lessons learnt will undoubtedly continue to shape the trajectory of innovation and design within Nedbank and beyond.