NSXNational Skills ExchangeSign in
Back to Framework

Web and Digital Interface Designers

SOC 15-1255.00Job Zone 4 · Considerable Preparationv.26.05

Context coveredThis framework covers web and digital interface design practice across design, development, testing, and stakeholder communication contexts within technology-forward organizations requiring considerable formal preparation and experience.

Sources:O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.SkillsCrosswalkSkillsCrosswalk — O*NET enrichment + adjacency index. Opens in new tab.
Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. Web page creation tools and layout principles — apply under direct supervision to build basic static pages within an established design system.
  2. Graphics and photo imaging software — use guided workflows to resize, crop, and export assets for web-ready delivery on entry-level projects.
  3. Program malfunctions and display errors — identify and document under supervisor direction when testing user-facing interfaces in a staging environment.
  4. Reading comprehension of design briefs and technical specifications — extract key requirements under guidance to inform initial wireframe sketches.
  5. Web platform development software — follow established protocols to upload and publish reviewed content to a live content management system.
  6. Database query interfaces — execute pre-written queries under direction to retrieve content needed for populating prototype screens.
  7. User feedback and error reports — collect and log with attention to detail, escalating unresolved issues to senior designers on the project team.
  8. Object-oriented development software — apply instructional examples to produce simple interactive components within a supervised development environment.
  9. Active listening during client intake meetings — capture stated requirements accurately and summarize them in structured notes for team review.
  10. Desktop publishing and document management software — organize and version project files according to established naming conventions in a shared repository.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Web and digital interface layouts — design and iterate with reduced oversight, adapting templates to meet varied stakeholder requirements across multiple project types.
  2. System and program malfunctions — troubleshoot recurring front-end issues by applying systematic diagnosis techniques in a production web environment.
  3. Development environment software — configure and maintain local and staging environments to support routine testing and deployment cycles.
  4. Business problems such as product catalog or workflow tools — analyze requirements and propose digital interface solutions using established UX methodologies.
  5. Video creation and editing software — produce and integrate short-form multimedia assets into interactive web experiences with moderate creative direction.
  6. Critical thinking applied to usability test results — interpret findings independently and recommend interface adjustments to improve task-completion rates.
  7. Staff and users with computer-related interface problems — provide clear written and verbal assistance, resolving common issues without escalation.
  8. Reading and synthesizing technical documentation — translate platform constraints and API references into practical design decisions within a familiar technology stack.
  9. Computer programs and systems — monitor performance metrics and coordinate scheduled maintenance updates to ensure continuous site reliability.
  10. Writing and oral communication — prepare project status reports and present design rationale to internal stakeholders with clarity and appropriate technical depth.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. Complex front-end malfunctions and cross-browser incompatibilities — diagnose and resolve autonomously across full production environments, restoring normal functioning without team assistance.
  2. Integrated digital product solutions for business problems — lead requirements analysis, architect information structures, and deliver complete interface solutions from discovery through launch.
  3. Web platform development and object-oriented software — implement advanced interactive components and custom scripting to meet non-standard functional requirements on enterprise-scale projects.
  4. Judgment and decision making in UX trade-off scenarios — evaluate competing design and technical constraints and select optimal approaches that balance user needs with organizational goals.
  5. Comprehensive usability and accessibility testing programs — design, execute, and interpret test plans across devices and assistive technologies, driving evidence-based design improvements.
  6. Users and staff with complex computer-related interface problems — diagnose root causes across system layers and communicate tailored solutions to both technical and non-technical audiences.
  7. Inductive reasoning applied to analytics and behavioral data — synthesize patterns across large data sets to surface actionable insights that inform strategic interface redesigns.
  8. Active learning of emerging design tools and web standards — independently evaluate new technologies and integrate relevant advances into ongoing workflows without external prompting.
  9. Data base user interface and query software — design and optimize content schemas that support dynamic, data-driven web experiences at scale.
  10. Cross-functional project documentation — author comprehensive design specifications, component libraries, and handoff materials that enable seamless developer implementation across distributed teams.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. Organizational design strategy and digital experience standards — establish and govern enterprise-wide frameworks that align interface design practice with long-term business objectives.
  2. Complex business problems requiring integrated digital solutions — lead cross-disciplinary teams through discovery, systems thinking, and phased delivery to deliver transformative web and product experiences.
  3. Emerging web technologies and platform capabilities — evaluate, pilot, and advocate for adoption decisions that position the organization at the forefront of digital interface innovation.
  4. Design and engineering talent pipelines — mentor, develop, and retain senior practitioners, building a culture of craft excellence and intellectual curiosity across the department.
  5. Program and system integrity at portfolio scale — define monitoring, testing, and incident-response protocols that ensure reliability and performance across all owned digital properties.
  6. Organizational policies for accessibility, usability, and design ethics — author and champion standards that embed integrity and cautiousness into every stage of the product development lifecycle.
  7. Executive and client stakeholders — communicate strategic design vision, business impact, and risk assessments with authority, influencing resource allocation and roadmap priorities.
  8. Innovation programs and design research initiatives — sponsor and direct multi-cycle investigations that surface unmet user needs and translate findings into competitive product differentiation.
  9. Vendor and technology partner relationships — negotiate tool, platform, and outsourcing agreements that optimize cost, capability, and quality across the organization's digital production ecosystem.
  10. Knowledge management and professional development infrastructure — design training curricula, internal documentation systems, and communities of practice that elevate the entire design organization's capability.

AI-at-Work Competency Framework

Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Authoritative source data identified for 998 occupations

How a worker at each mastery level uses, directs, and evaluates AI tools in this occupation. Each statement cites its evidence inline; click a citation chip to verify the source.

Emerging
  1. AI-generated layout suggestions — accepts basic wireframe and color palette outputs from generative design tools, reviewing results against brand guidelines before applying them to live projects.
  2. Boilerplate code assistance — prompts an AI assistant to scaffold standard HTML/CSS component structures, then manually validates accessibility and cross-browser compatibility.
Developing
  1. User-flow drafting — delegates initial sitemap and user-journey diagrams to an AI tool, then refines the output through active critique sessions with stakeholders WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  2. Copy and microcopy iteration — directs an AI assistant to generate multiple variations of interface labels and error messages, selecting and editing the most contextually appropriate version.
  3. Troubleshooting triage — feeds system malfunction logs and bug descriptions into an AI assistant to surface probable causes, then applies critical thinking to verify and implement the fix Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
Proficient
  1. Interaction-pattern evaluation — applies structured judgment to assess AI-proposed navigation and interaction patterns against usability heuristics, overriding suggestions that conflict with established UX research Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  2. Accessibility audit delegation — assigns WCAG compliance scanning tasks to AI-powered audit tools, then interprets the flagged issues and prioritizes remediation steps based on business impact.
  3. Prototype iteration acceleration — orchestrates AI tools to rapidly generate and permutate visual design variants, compressing design-review cycles while retaining authorship of the final design direction.
  4. Business problem translation — uses AI assistants to model integrated production workflows or data-entry solutions, then critically evaluates output accuracy before presenting recommendations to non-technical stakeholders Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
Advanced
  1. AI design-system governance — establishes team-wide standards for which design and code-generation tasks are delegated to AI tools versus retained for human authorship, embedding critical-thinking checkpoints at each handoff stage Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  2. Complex problem decomposition — decomposes multi-system interface malfunctions into discrete AI-addressable sub-tasks, directs agents through sequential diagnostic steps, and synthesizes outputs into a coherent resolution plan Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  3. Generative UX research synthesis — directs AI tools to cluster and theme large volumes of qualitative user feedback, then applies expert judgment to identify strategic design opportunities that automated summarization alone misses WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
Evidence pack
SAFI positioning
Top skill: Critical Thinking
Score: 57.9 / 100
precision: category_estimate
WEF cluster
Artificial Intelligence
artificial_intelligence
Sources:WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.

Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework

Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Ten durable-skill domains mapped to four proficiency/role levels for each occupation. Each statement is aligned to the Pathsmith taxonomy, derived from trusted grounding data and mapped to occupation-specific O*NET tasks and skills.

1Communication16 statements
Emerging
  1. Design brief interpretation — reads and restates client requirements to confirm understanding of project scope and visual goals Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Stakeholder vocabulary — uses basic UX and design terminology when describing interface concepts to non-technical team members Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Written documentation — drafts simple annotations for wireframes and prototypes to guide developer handoff O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  4. Feedback reception — listens to user testing observations and records key pain points without filtering or interpreting prematurely Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Usability report writing — composes structured reports summarizing user research findings with clear visual and written evidence Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Cross-functional communication — explains design decisions to developers and product managers using shared technical language and visual mockups Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Presentation delivery — presents mid-fidelity prototypes to stakeholders with a narrative that connects design choices to business objectives Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  4. Client discovery dialogue — conducts intake conversations that surface functional requirements, brand expectations, and accessibility constraints O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Design rationale articulation — communicates the reasoning behind layout, typography, and interaction patterns to diverse audiences with precision and confidence Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Asynchronous documentation — produces comprehensive design system documentation and style guides that enable independent use by distributed teams O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Conflict mediation through communication — facilitates discussions between product, engineering, and marketing stakeholders to resolve competing interface requirements Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  4. User research synthesis — translates qualitative and quantitative user data into clear, actionable insights presented in accessible formats for leadership Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Executive-level design storytelling — crafts and delivers compelling narratives that connect UX strategy to revenue impact and organizational goals for C-suite audiences Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Cross-organizational communication standards — establishes communication protocols and documentation templates adopted across design teams and product squads Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Public thought leadership — authors articles, conference talks, or webinars that advance industry understanding of digital interface communication practices Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  4. Mentored critique culture — models and institutionalizes structured design critique practices that elevate communication quality across the entire design organization Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
2Leadership16 statements
Emerging
  1. Task ownership — takes individual responsibility for assigned interface components within a larger product design sprint Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Proactive flagging — identifies and escalates potential usability issues before they reach development without waiting for direction Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Peer support — assists junior team members in navigating design tools and interpreting user requirements during collaborative projects Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  4. Initiative in exploration — independently pursues reference research and competitive analysis to inform design decisions beyond assigned scope O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Project coordination — manages timeline and deliverables for a discrete design workstream, keeping stakeholders informed of progress and blockers Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Design review facilitation — leads internal critique sessions for wireframes and prototypes, structuring feedback to align with project goals Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Junior designer mentorship — guides entry-level designers through tool proficiency and design process during day-to-day collaboration Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  4. Scope advocacy — negotiates with product managers to protect design quality and user experience standards under deadline pressure Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. End-to-end design leadership — owns the full design process from discovery through launch for complex digital products, coordinating across disciplines Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Design system stewardship — leads the governance and evolution of a shared component library used across multiple product teams O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Stakeholder alignment — drives consensus among engineering, marketing, and executive stakeholders on interface direction through structured facilitation Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  4. Team capability development — identifies skill gaps in the design team and implements targeted learning opportunities to elevate collective performance Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Organizational design vision — defines and champions a multi-year UX strategy that aligns digital interface direction with business transformation goals Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Cross-functional influence — leads initiatives that reshape how product, engineering, and design collaborate, resulting in measurable improvements in delivery quality Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Design culture building — establishes psychological safety, critique norms, and innovation rituals that define the design culture of the organization Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  4. Industry leadership — represents the organization at industry events and contributes to standards bodies or open-source design systems that influence the broader field Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
3Metacognition16 statements
Emerging
  1. Skill gap awareness — identifies specific design competencies such as accessibility or motion design that require further development and articulates a learning path Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Process reflection — reviews completed wireframing tasks to assess which steps were efficient and which introduced errors or rework Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Feedback integration — consciously notes recurring critique themes across design reviews to adjust personal approach in subsequent iterations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  4. Tool proficiency self-assessment — evaluates own familiarity with design software features and prioritizes learning the capabilities most relevant to current project needs Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Iterative design monitoring — tracks decision points during prototyping to identify where assumptions influenced outcomes and where evidence was lacking Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Learning strategy adaptation — adjusts study and practice methods for new interface frameworks based on past experience of what accelerates personal mastery Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Cognitive load recognition — notices when design problem complexity exceeds current working capacity and applies structured decomposition strategies to regain clarity Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  4. Bias awareness in research — reflects on how personal aesthetic preferences may distort interpretation of user testing data and applies corrective analytical practices Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Design thinking self-regulation — monitors own progression through divergent and convergent phases of the design process and recalibrates when stuck in premature convergence Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Post-project retrospection — conducts structured personal reviews after each product launch to extract transferable lessons about process, tooling, and collaboration Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Assumption mapping — explicitly surfaces and documents assumptions embedded in interface decisions before usability testing to sharpen hypothesis testing Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  4. Expertise boundary recognition — accurately identifies the limits of own knowledge in areas like front-end implementation or data visualization and proactively seeks expert collaboration Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Metacognitive modeling — explicitly demonstrates self-monitoring and reflective design practices to junior designers, building metacognitive capacity across the team Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Organizational learning systems — designs retrospective and knowledge-management processes that capture and distribute design learning across the organization Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Strategic self-positioning — regularly evaluates own role against emerging industry skills such as AI-augmented design or inclusive design standards and realigns professional development accordingly Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  4. Research epistemology — critically evaluates the theoretical assumptions underlying different UX research methodologies and selects approaches that match the cognitive demands of each design challenge Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
4Critical Thinking16 statements
Emerging
  1. Requirement analysis — breaks down a client brief into functional, visual, and technical components to identify gaps or contradictions before design begins Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Heuristic application — evaluates existing interfaces against Nielsen's usability heuristics to identify obvious violations with supporting rationale O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Evidence recognition — distinguishes between stakeholder opinion and user research data when assessing interface design proposals Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  4. Comparative evaluation — analyzes two or more design alternatives against defined criteria to select the option best aligned with user needs and technical constraints Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Root cause diagnosis — investigates reported usability malfunctions to determine whether issues originate in information architecture, visual hierarchy, or interaction flow O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Assumption interrogation — questions inherited design patterns and existing system conventions to determine whether they serve current user needs or reflect outdated constraints Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Trade-off reasoning — evaluates the performance, accessibility, and aesthetic trade-offs of competing implementation approaches and documents the reasoning for the chosen direction Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  4. Data triangulation — cross-references analytics data, usability test results, and heuristic reviews to form a more reliable diagnosis of interface problems Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Systems-level problem analysis — identifies how changes to one interface component propagate effects across navigation, content hierarchy, and user flow in complex digital products Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Business logic integration — critically evaluates how business rules and technical constraints shape the feasibility of design solutions before committing to a direction O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Research methodology critique — assesses the validity and reliability of UX research findings, identifying sampling biases or methodological flaws that limit applicability Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  4. Decision documentation — produces decision logs for major interface choices that record the evidence considered, alternatives rejected, and reasoning applied Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Organizational UX critique — applies critical analysis to evaluate whether the organization's digital strategy and product roadmap reflect genuine user needs or internal biases Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Framework development — creates proprietary evaluation frameworks for assessing interface quality that integrate technical, business, and human factors criteria Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Adversarial design testing — designs critique and red-team processes that challenge the team's most confident design assumptions before launch Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  4. Cross-domain synthesis — integrates insights from cognitive psychology, behavioral economics, and systems engineering to form novel analytical frameworks for digital interface challenges Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
5Collaboration16 statements
Emerging
  1. Developer handoff participation — contributes annotated design assets to shared repositories using agreed naming conventions and file structures O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Sprint contribution — participates constructively in agile ceremonies, sharing design progress and surfacing blockers to the cross-functional team Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Shared tool fluency — uses collaborative design platforms to enable real-time co-editing and commenting with distributed team members O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  4. Perspective solicitation — actively requests input from developers and content strategists during early wireframe stages to surface implementation constraints Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Cross-functional co-design — facilitates design workshops with engineers, product managers, and content strategists to generate shared solutions to interface challenges Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Conflict navigation — addresses disagreements about design direction with colleagues by grounding discussion in user evidence and shared project criteria Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Shared ownership modeling — attributes design decisions to collaborative input and credits team contributions in documentation and presentations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  4. Remote collaboration effectiveness — adapts design review and feedback processes to maintain collaboration quality across distributed and asynchronous team environments Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Design-engineering partnership — works as a consistent and trusted collaborator with front-end developers to bridge the gap between design intent and implemented output Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Multidisciplinary project integration — coordinates design workstreams with research, analytics, and content teams to produce coherent, evidence-based digital experiences Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Stakeholder co-creation — involves business stakeholders in participatory design activities that build alignment and shared investment in interface outcomes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  4. Feedback culture contribution — models constructive, specific, and respectful design critique behavior that elevates the quality of team collaboration Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Inter-organizational collaboration — leads design collaboration across organizational boundaries including agency partners, third-party vendors, and open-source communities Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Collaborative system design — designs team structures, rituals, and tools that optimize cross-functional collaboration for sustained product design delivery Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Inclusive collaboration practices — identifies and removes structural barriers to participation in design processes for underrepresented team members and stakeholders Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  4. Coalition building — builds alliances across product, engineering, and executive functions to advance user-centered design as a shared organizational value Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
6Character16 statements
Emerging
  1. Deadline accountability — delivers assigned design assets on schedule and proactively communicates delays with proposed solutions rather than silent non-delivery Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Honest self-representation — accurately represents own skill level and experience when accepting design assignments to avoid quality failures Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Accessibility ethics — applies WCAG guidelines as a baseline ethical obligation rather than an optional enhancement in all interface work Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  4. Respectful feedback — gives and receives design critique using language that addresses the work rather than the person Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Data privacy responsibility — handles user research data including session recordings and survey responses with strict adherence to privacy policies and informed consent requirements Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Transparent communication — discloses limitations, risks, or uncertainties in design recommendations to stakeholders rather than presenting false confidence Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Credit attribution — consistently acknowledges the contributions of collaborators, research participants, and reference sources in design deliverables Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  4. Inclusive design commitment — proactively advocates for users with disabilities, low digital literacy, or limited connectivity in design decisions, even when not required by the brief Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Ethical design advocacy — raises concerns about dark patterns, manipulative UX, or deceptive interface practices and proposes user-respecting alternatives Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Professional integrity under pressure — maintains design quality standards and user advocacy when business stakeholders push for solutions that compromise usability or ethics Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Scope honesty — accurately represents project complexity and resource requirements in estimates, resisting pressure to under-promise in ways that harm team health Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  4. Accountability in failure — takes ownership of design errors that reach production, leads the post-mortem analysis, and implements preventive measures Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Ethical framework development — establishes design ethics guidelines and review processes that govern interface decisions across the organization Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Trust leadership — builds a reputation for integrity that makes the design function a trusted organizational partner for sensitive or high-stakes digital initiatives Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Industry ethics contribution — participates in professional bodies or publishes work that advances ethical standards in web and digital interface design practice Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  4. Accountability culture modeling — creates team norms where admitting mistakes and learning publicly is celebrated, reducing blame and accelerating organizational learning Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
7Creativity16 statements
Emerging
  1. Visual exploration — generates multiple distinct visual directions for a design brief before converging on a single approach Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Inspiration sourcing — collects and synthesizes references from diverse industries and cultural contexts to expand the creative range of interface concepts Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Constraint reframing — identifies technical or brand constraints as creative parameters rather than blockers when approaching novel design problems Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  4. Interaction experimentation — sketches unconventional interaction models for common UI patterns to explore alternatives beyond established conventions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Concept divergence — produces a broad range of ideation outputs including sketches, mood boards, and low-fidelity prototypes before applying evaluative criteria Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Metaphor-driven design — uses conceptual metaphors drawn from physical or cultural contexts to create distinctive and intuitive interface experiences Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Creative problem solving under constraints — develops original interface solutions that satisfy competing accessibility, performance, and brand requirements simultaneously Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  4. Cross-domain inspiration — applies design principles from industrial design, architecture, or fine art to generate novel visual and interaction approaches for digital interfaces Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Signature design systems — creates original component and pattern libraries that establish a distinctive and ownable visual language for a digital product or brand Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Innovative interaction design — invents interaction patterns that solve user problems in ways that are both technically feasible and experientially novel Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Speculative design practice — creates future-state prototypes that challenge current assumptions about how users will interact with emerging technologies Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  4. Creative direction — shapes the aesthetic and experiential vision for complex digital products, ensuring creative coherence across all touchpoints and team contributions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Design innovation leadership — builds organizational conditions including time, tools, and psychological safety that enable sustained creative output across the design team Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Pioneering interface paradigms — develops interface concepts that define new interaction models adopted by the broader industry Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Creative culture institutionalization — embeds divergent thinking practices, design sprints, and experimental prototyping rituals into the organizational design process Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  4. Cross-industry creative influence — brings external creative disciplines into the design function through residencies, partnerships, or commissioned collaborations that expand the team's creative range Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
8Growth Mindset16 statements
Emerging
  1. Tool learning persistence — continues developing proficiency in unfamiliar design software or prototyping tools after initial difficulty rather than defaulting to familiar alternatives Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Critique openness — receives negative feedback on design work without defensiveness and identifies at least one actionable improvement from each review Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Effort investment — dedicates deliberate practice time to weak areas such as typography, motion design, or accessibility implementation Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  4. Challenge acceptance — volunteers for design assignments that stretch current capabilities rather than limiting scope to proven strengths Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Failure reframing — treats unsuccessful usability test results as diagnostic data that improves the next design iteration rather than as evidence of inadequacy Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Skill portfolio expansion — actively learns adjacent competencies such as front-end code, data analysis, or content strategy to increase design effectiveness Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Feedback-driven iteration — incorporates specific feedback from developers, researchers, and users into rapid design cycles with visible improvement between versions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  4. Emerging technology engagement — experiments with AI-assisted design tools, AR interfaces, or voice UI to develop capability in areas of future demand Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Setback recovery — returns to productive design work quickly after project cancellations, failed launches, or rejected concepts by extracting learnings and redirecting energy Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Mastery orientation — pursues depth in a specialized area such as motion design, design systems, or inclusive design through structured long-term study and practice Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Cross-functional learning — seeks to understand front-end engineering, product strategy, and UX research at a level that informs more effective and integrated design contributions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  4. Public learning — shares works-in-progress, experiments, and lessons learned through team presentations or external channels to normalize continuous growth Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Growth culture creation — designs onboarding, mentorship, and learning structures that embed growth mindset as a team norm rather than an individual disposition Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Organizational learning leadership — champions investment in design education and professional development at the executive level, securing resources for team capability growth Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Adaptive mastery modeling — publicly demonstrates ongoing learning in new domains such as emerging platforms or ethical AI design to signal that expertise is never complete Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  4. Failure system design — creates safe-to-fail experimentation structures such as design labs or prototype sprints that allow the organization to learn from interface failures at low cost Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
9Mindfulness16 statements
Emerging
  1. Attention management — uses structured time-blocking and notification management to sustain deep focus during complex wireframing and prototyping tasks Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Emotional awareness in critique — notices personal emotional reactions to negative design feedback before responding, choosing a considered reply over a reactive one Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Intentional decision-making — pauses before committing to a design direction to verify that the choice is driven by user evidence rather than habit or convenience Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  4. Present-moment user empathy — maintains active attention during user research sessions, resisting the urge to formulate solutions while participants are still speaking Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Stress recognition — identifies personal warning signs of creative fatigue or decision overload during intensive design sprints and applies recovery strategies Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Meeting presence — maintains engaged and focused participation in cross-functional design reviews, contributing observations rather than passively attending Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Intentional scope management — consciously evaluates feature requests and design changes against project goals before incorporating them, avoiding reactive scope expansion Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  4. Empathic user perspective maintenance — sustains deliberate focus on the user's lived experience throughout the design process, resisting organizational pressure to optimize for business metrics alone Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. High-stakes calm — maintains composure and analytical clarity during critical product launches, live user testing sessions, or high-pressure stakeholder presentations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Attentional discipline in complex systems — sustains methodical attention across large-scale design systems with many interdependent components, preventing oversight errors Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Conflict de-escalation — applies emotional regulation during tense cross-functional disagreements to keep design discussions productive and evidence-focused Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  4. Intentional creative practice — structures design sessions with deliberate warm-up, deep work, and reflection phases to optimize output quality over volume Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Team mindfulness modeling — introduces and normalizes mindful practices in design rituals such as critique, sprint planning, and retrospectives to improve collective focus and quality Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Organizational stress stewardship — monitors team emotional climate during high-pressure delivery cycles and intervenes with structural support to prevent unsustainable workloads Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Systemic intentionality — ensures that organizational design decisions including tool choices, process structures, and team norms are made with deliberate consideration of long-term effects on people and outcomes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  4. User-centered mindfulness advocacy — champions the integration of empathy practices and slow design methodologies into product development processes that typically prioritize speed over depth Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
10Fortitude16 statements
Emerging
  1. Iteration persistence — continues refining an interface design through multiple rounds of critical feedback without abandoning the project or reverting to a previous safe version Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Ambiguity tolerance — begins design work in the presence of incomplete requirements rather than waiting for perfect clarity before taking action Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Technical setback recovery — resumes productive design work after software malfunctions, data loss, or failed builds without extended disruption to output O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  4. Scope challenge endurance — maintains design quality standards when project scope expands unexpectedly mid-sprint without proportional resource adjustment Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Rejection resilience — returns to creative problem-solving after a fully developed design concept is rejected by stakeholders, treating the experience as redirecting rather than defeating Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Sustained delivery under pressure — maintains consistent design output quality during extended periods of high workload or accelerated timelines Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Difficult stakeholder navigation — persists in advocating for user-centered design decisions when facing sustained pushback from resistant business or engineering stakeholders Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  4. Uncertainty management — continues making reasoned design decisions in the absence of complete user research data, accepting and documenting the risk rather than blocking progress Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Complex problem endurance — sustains engagement with intricate design challenges such as enterprise information architecture or accessibility retrofits that require weeks of methodical effort Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Launch confidence — moves design work into production with courage despite awareness of remaining imperfections, applying judgment about acceptable risk Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Organizational resistance navigation — advances user-centered design practices within organizations that structurally undervalue design, building influence incrementally without giving up Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  4. Post-failure recommitment — leads the team back to productive momentum after a significant product failure, extracting learning and reestablishing direction without blame Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Long-horizon design leadership — sustains the energy and conviction required to drive multi-year design transformation initiatives through inevitable setbacks and organizational resistance Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Crisis design leadership — guides the design team through product crises, organizational restructuring, or major technical failures with stability and forward focus Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Courageous advocacy — publicly challenges unethical design practices, manipulative UX patterns, or accessibility neglect within the organization at personal professional risk Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  4. Resilience culture creation — builds team structures and norms that collectively strengthen the design function's capacity to absorb shocks, recover quickly, and sustain long-term output Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Show O*NET source anchors42 anchors · skillscrosswalk.com

O*NET enrichment · skillscrosswalk.com

Suggest an O*NET correction

Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles
Web Designer · Computer Graphic Artist · Computer Graphic Designer · Content Manager · Digital Designer · Experience Designer · Front End Developer · Front End Web Developer · Graphics Designer · HTML Developer (HyperText Markup Language Developer) · Interface Designer · Internet Application Developer
RAPIDS apprenticeships
0248 · Web Designer
O*NET skills
Critical ThinkingReading ComprehensionActive ListeningComplex Problem SolvingSpeakingJudgment and Decision MakingWritingActive Learning
Knowledge domains
Computers and ElectronicsEnglish LanguageMathematicsEngineering and TechnologyCustomer and Personal ServiceAdministration and ManagementEducation and TrainingDesign
Abilities
Written ComprehensionOral ComprehensionDeductive ReasoningOral ExpressionInductive ReasoningInformation Ordering
Work styles
Attention to DetailDependabilityIntellectual CuriosityIntegrityCautiousnessInnovation
Technology
Word processing softwareDocument management softwareDevelopment environment softwareVideo creation and editing softwareGraphics or photo imaging softwareWeb page creation and editing softwareWeb platform development softwareDesktop publishing softwareObject or component oriented development softwareData base user interface and query software
Tasks · seed anchors for statements
  1. Troubleshoot program and system malfunctions to restore normal functioning.
  2. Provide staff and users with assistance solving computer-related problems, such as malfunctions and program pr
  3. Test, maintain, and monitor computer programs and systems, including coordinating the installation of computer
  4. Use the computer in the analysis and solution of business problems, such as development of integrated producti
CIP education codes
09.070211.010111.010411.010511.020111.040111.070111.080111.100430.310150.040150.040952.1404

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.