Traditionally, the Maturity model has been associated only with processes.
NNG’s 6 levels of design maturity is a popular tool to assess an organization’s UX-related strengths and weaknesses. However, an organization is run by people, and it is essential to have people who are mature enough to handle challenges.
How do you assess a designer’s maturity?
There is very little research done on this topic. I was inspired by the work of Dennis Hambeukers on the Designer’s growth model. However, the model is 5 years old, and the landscape of design has been changing rapidly. Based on my experience of working in the industry long years, after working for several Fortune 500 companies, I tried extending that model and also wanted to add what specific skill sets are needed in each phase of the growth.
Before I jump into the topic let’s discuss what maturity is. In psychological terms, maturity involves the ability to navigate life’s challenges and complexities effectively, demonstrating resilience, adaptability, and wisdom in one’s thoughts, emotions, and actions.
Enter artificial intelligence, a disruptive force reshaping the design landscape. While AI may be perceived as a threat by some, I see it as an unparalleled opportunity for the UX industry. It forces a shift from traditional craftsmanship to strategic curation, empowering designers to transcend mere interaction design and emerge as visionary leaders.
In this paradigm shift, designers are no longer confined to pixel-perfect interfaces, they’re orchestrators of holistic user experiences. From shaping product strategy to envisioning the future of design, the possibilities are endless.
With this backdrop, I present a comprehensive framework that captures the evolution of a designer. Through a series of defined stages, it charts a course for designers to progress from novices to seasoned professionals, equipped with the skills and insights needed to thrive in an AI-driven world.
Proficiency in essential skills such as interaction design, UX research, stakeholder management, and business acumen is indispensable at all stages of the maturity model.
Reference: https://medium.com/design-leadership-notebook/the-designers-growth-model-8240dafb7137
