My preferred growth framework outlines four distinct phases—Developing, Proficient, Accomplished, and Mastered—that designers can experience within each level of their role. These phases serve as milestones for skill development and performance within the current position.
At each phase, expectations related to scope and impact evolve, all while maintaining a one- team mindset and prioritizing customer needs.
Across all these stages, a one-team mindset and customer-first approach are non-negotiable. This means consistently collaborating well with cross- functional teams and always seeking to understand and meet customer needs.
Success in this framework is a shared endeavor, requiring both personal investment and support from the organization.
”Knowing how what I do connects to what the company cares about gets me out of bed in the morning.
Peggy WongLead Experience Designer
Skill Journey
The designer growth in this framework assesses their readiness to transition from one stage to the next. These stages—Developing, Proficient, Accomplished, and Mastered—each come with specific skills and expectations.
Progress is shown by skill advancement from the current stage toward mastery. Ultimately, achieving a blend of these skills at the “Mastered” level signals readiness for the next career stage.
This holistic approach prioritizes the comprehensive development of skills, impact, and contributions to the team and customers over simply ticking off boxes.
