Effective design requires people with experience and skills in many areas of activity. For example, graphic design, website design, industrial design, interface design, lighting and interior design. A business can harness design skills by building an appropriate team of expertise internally and/or by working with a team of relevant external consultants. Whatever approach is taken it is important that the selected designers have the right skills and experience. Even when an external design team undertakes a project, experience and understanding is required internally in order to handle the design activity effectively.

Evidence that might be accessed

Does the business have the skills to handle design activity?

Level 1
Skills do not exist within the business to handle design activity either internally or through an external designer

Level 2
Experience exists within the business for handling some forms of design activity either internally or through an external designer

Level 3
The business has experience in handling all relevant forms of design activity, either internally or through an external designer, there is however little development of these abilities

Level 4
The business has experience in handling all relevant forms of design activity, this capability is enhanced with regular development of skills