Levels / Designer Progression
Five stages of design thinking.
Each level reflects a deeper ability to reason about design. Progress requires both skill badges and thoughtful participation.
Starter
Starter Designer
Beginning to understand the system, the skill architecture, and what design thinking actually means in the context of the Lab.
Requires
- Understanding the Lab structure
- Completing first skill awareness badge
- Introducing yourself
- Beginning to reflect on your current design thinking
Builder
Builder Designer
Applying basic visual skills with intention and beginning to articulate the reasoning behind design decisions.
Requires
- Applied badges in at least 2 Visual Foundation sub-skills
- Submitting work with written decision explanation
- Participating in 3+ discussions
- Demonstrating awareness of context
Applied
Applied Designer
Using design thinking across contexts and demonstrating the ability to transfer skills from one situation to another.
Requires
- Applied badges across 2+ different skill categories
- Evidence of skill transfer
- Contributing feedback
- Writing a design decision analysis
System
System Designer
Understanding how design scales — creating consistent, adaptable systems and beginning to guide others in the community.
Requires
- Advanced badges in 1+ skill area
- Demonstrated systems thinking
- Regular community contribution
- Mentoring or guiding a less experienced member
Ultimate
Ultimate Designer
Demonstrating consistent decision-making and leadership. Your thinking is visible in the community and influences others.
Requires
- Advanced badges across multiple categories
- Documented case study
- Consistent leadership presence
- Peer and evaluator recognition
Note
Levels are approved through an evaluation process — not automatically awarded by point accumulation.
Ready?