Map the Work, Not the Role: Building a Competency Framework for Design Teams

Job titles are becoming less reliable as a way to understand what people know and what teams can do. Design and development workflows are shifting. Tools change. Processes evolve. But the fundamental needs of the people we design for stay the same.

In this context, role mapping is not enough. Teams need a clear and shared language around competencies. Not a generic skills matrix. A framework built around the actual work, the real challenges and the fundamentals that need to stay strong regardless of what tools or processes change next.

From her experience as a Design Ops practitioner and educator, Zalihata guides participants through a practical competency mapping process. They will leave with a draft framework they can start using with their team.

What participants will work on

• Identifying the competencies that matter in their context, beyond job descriptions
• Building a simple assessment canvas that reflects the actual work, not the org chart
• Using that canvas for onboarding, mentoring and capacity planning conversations
• Making competency conversations safe and useful for everyone involved

Format

This 3-hour hands-on workshop combines short frameworks, individual reflection, and small-group exercises. Participants will map the competencies that matter in their own context, build a simple assessment canvas, and explore how to use it for onboarding, mentoring, capacity planning, and safer team development conversations.

Target audience

Designers, design managers and team leads who are responsible for developing people. People working in contexts where roles are evolving fast and job titles no longer tell the full story.