Skills / Skill Architecture
The foundation of design thinking.
UDL organizes design abilities into three categories. Each one builds on the last.
01 — Core Skills
These form the foundation of design thinking. Every designer in the Lab starts here.
C1
Computer Thinking for Designers
Understanding how digital tools actually work.
- File structures and document logic
- Raster vs vector thinking
- Resolution and performance
- Workflow efficiency
C2
Visual Foundations
The visual language of design.
- Typography
- Color theory and application
- Layout and hierarchy
- Spacing and contrast
C3
Context & Problem Solving
The most critical skill group.
Defining the real problem
Understanding stakeholders
Balancing constraints and trade-offs
Making justified decisions
02 — Supporting Skills
Skills that extend core thinking into broader practice.
S1
Composition & Communication
How visual decisions communicate intent.
- Visual flow and eye movement
- Gestalt principles in practice
- Communicating through design decisions
S2
Systems & Scalability
Building for consistency and growth.
- Design system thinking
- Pattern recognition and reuse
- Consistency vs flexibility
S3
AI-Assisted Design
Using AI with authorship and intent.
- Prompting with design intent
- Evaluating AI output critically
- Maintaining authorship over decisions
03 — Contribution Skills
Skills earned through participation, critique, and community leadership.
X1
Reviewing Work
The practice of structured critique.
- Structured critique
- Naming what works and what doesn't
- Explaining feedback with reasoning
X2
Helping Members
Sharing knowledge with context.
- Answering questions with context
- Sharing relevant resources
- Pointing toward principles, not just solutions
X3
Mentorship
Guiding others through their progression.
- Guiding progression
- Supporting badge reflections
- Modeling thinking, not just technique
Ready?