what we do
Unique experiences for unparalleled outcomes.
Translator is an experience consultancy specializing in design-centered problem solving.
We form partnerships with our clients for work that matters. We start our projects with exploration instead of predefined solutions.
We drink coffee.
We help people become unstuck so they can move forward and do great things.
We make connections.
We’re good listeners – in fact, we’ve been told our services are a lot like business therapy.
We even have couches.
We teach as we engage so that progress continues on beyond our work. Sustainability is the goal.
We take naps.
We work with people who want to create meaning not just movement. People who are open to new ways of problem solving and are brave enough to be uncomfortable and shift perspectives in order to move forward.
We aren’t afraid to be different, it’s our core strength.
We don’t just connect dots, but take the time to identify which dots are relevant and what connections need to be made for maximum impact.
We make some more coffee.
We understand and leverage the power of experiences to overcome challenges and optimize opportunities. We’re XD pioneers in our market and understand that a design mindset is the most effective approach for all human-centered business, mission and innovation.
We talk to people.
We’re able to hear beyond what is said and translate the issue into problem statements and solutions. We help people explore, communicate and collaborate so they can activate and apply their creativity in new ways.
People like to think with us.
In short, we translate.
WE WORK
On Human-Centered Business
We think, design and work with people in mind and believe that the smartest decisions are based on understanding and honoring human behavior. We approach our work holistically by examining the many factors that go into the system of a challenge and think strategically about their interrelation.
WE LIVE
Community Engagement
Since opening in 2010, one of the core tenets of the Translator philosophy is that businesses should actively participate in the communities they serve. Being deeply involved in the community strengthens our work and helps others experience the value of exposure to different ways of thinking. We hold Labs and partner with others to host discussions and events in a safe and comfortable environment for unexpected conversations and connections.
WE CREATE
Experiences that Resonate
Whether the challenge is exploring strategic priorities, shaping internal culture, customer engagement innovation, or expanding team skill sets, we design experiences that resonate and provide sustainable impact. We understand the power of defining challenges and opportunities and know how to design and utilize experiences for creative solutions in the business, academic and social sectors.
what we do
There’s no one size fits all.
We keep our project models flexible, because our services are as diverse as the groups we work with. Take a look at our ways to engage below for an idea of how we work. Not sure which service fits your need? Get in touch, let’s talk! Preferably over coffee. Or wine.
Strategy & Consulting
Benchmarking, team leadership, project and advisory engagements focused on utilizing experience design methods to solve challenges. From interim Chief Experience Officer role, to project team embed models, engagements are tailored to fit unique needs.
Education & Facilitation
We design & facilitate public and private workshops around topics of Experience Design, Design Thinking, Entrepreneurial Mindset, New Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, Creativity and a host of other like topics. We focus on helping people integrate new skills of thinking differently.
Coaching & Advising
We’ve heard from our clients that working with us is akin to business therapy: we help individuals and organizations become “unstuck” so they’re able to deliver on their strategic goals, including the hard work of implementing new ways of thinking and working into their workplaces.
A FEW PROJECTS WE’VE WORKED ON
DESIGNING A CONFERENCE THE XD WAY: WALK THE TALK
Translator was hired by the Creative Alliance Milwaukee and Innovation in Milwaukee (MiKE) in 2015 & 2016 to design and produce their newly combined conference experience, Walk the Talk. With the intent of bringing creative and innovation communities together to explore various topics–including the intersection of creativity and innovation in 2015, and the power of change in 2016–Walk the Talk employed various experiential strategies to facilitate learning and connection. Included were opportunities for attendees to explore different neighborhoods, intentionally designed play time, movement throughout the day and a line up of experts engaging in a variety of ways with the groups.In order to effectively design this exciting and relevant conference experience, Translator facilitated community brainstorming sessions to get at what people really want out of attending a conference. Translator then used that information to design a conference that not only met community needs but exceeded expectations on what a conference can deliver.
MOVING THE CULTURE NEEDLE AT THE MILWAUKEE PUBLIC MUSEUM
Milwaukee Public Museum President & CEO, Dennis Kois, came to Translator with some challenges in the MPM internal culture and saw the necessity of getting their internal house in order before being able to align with and deliver on their strategic planning moving forward. Kois knew he needed to shift MPM’s internal culture to be more collaborative, creative and innovative, but wasn’t sure how to accomplish that goal. The Translator team brought in a different creative and organic approach by talking to nearly all MPM employees, working closely with all levels within the organization from leadership to front-line staff, and facilitating all-staff discussions and brainstorming. We were able to design experiences that modeled the ideal internal culture for MPM and pave the way for the important organizational work ahead.
MAKING TECHNOLOGY CONSOLIDATION (LOOK) EASY: JOHNSON CONTROLS
Translator led the UX and visual design of a 24 million dollar application development project for the Building Efficiency group at Johnson Controls. Working closely with internal teams at JCI, Translator combined multiple product specification applications across product lines into one cohesive web-based platform. Additionally, Translator utilized universal UI to accommodate diverse user groups, spanning product lines, roles, and different geographic regions. By implementing a UX-based framework, Translator helped inform business process change to support application adoption which created a sustainable solution for the organization.Translator worked as a central point for business lines and disciplines throughout the project, and facilitated internal team workshops to ensure a smooth hand-off process at project close.
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translatormke.com - Professional Services
