Differentiating and Defining our Design Roles · ChatGPT
- Tess Good
Exported from “Describing Design” Mural - intended to start an alignment conversation within the community about each Design job profile. All content generated by ChatGPT as a starting point/workshop backbone (I like starting from a populated state vs. blank slate, sometimes it’s easier to point out what we disagree with to get a conversation started - and there will be a heavy “it depends” layer at BCPS, we’re a diverse and complex org!).
Design Research
In a government context, a UX (User Experience) Researcher plays a critical role in understanding the needs, preferences, and behaviors of citizens and stakeholders to inform the design and improvement of government services and digital products. Here are the core competencies, skills, abilities, and mindsets that are valuable for a UX Researcher in a government setting:
User-Centered Mindset: A UX Researcher should have a deep commitment to understanding and prioritizing the needs of users and citizens. They should advocate for user-centric design principles and ensure that the government services are accessible, inclusive, and effective for all users.
Research Methodologies: Proficiency in a range of research methodologies is essential. This includes qualitative methods such as interviews, usability testing, and ethnographic research, as well as quantitative methods like surveys and analytics. The UX Researcher should be skilled in selecting and applying appropriate research methods based on the specific context and research objectives.
Data Analysis: The ability to collect, analyze, and interpret research data is crucial. UX Researchers should be skilled in synthesizing findings, identifying patterns, and drawing actionable insights that can inform design decisions and drive improvements to government services.
Stakeholder Engagement: Government projects involve a diverse range of stakeholders, including citizens, government officials, and other relevant parties. UX Researchers should have strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively engage with stakeholders, manage expectations, and facilitate collaboration throughout the research process.
Ethical Research Practices: Upholding ethical standards is essential for conducting research in a government context. UX Researchers should be knowledgeable about privacy regulations, data protection, and informed consent practices. They should ensure that research activities comply with legal and ethical guidelines.
Domain Knowledge: A solid understanding of the specific government domain in which the research is being conducted is important. This includes knowledge of government policies, regulations, and processes that may impact the design and delivery of services.
Communication and Reporting: Clear and effective communication skills are essential for a UX Researcher. They should be able to present research findings in a concise and compelling manner to stakeholders, making complex information accessible and actionable.
Collaboration and Cross-functional Skills: UX Researchers often work closely with designers, developers, product managers, and other stakeholders. Collaborative skills, the ability to work in interdisciplinary teams, and the capacity to integrate research insights into the design and development processes are crucial.
Problem-solving and Critical Thinking: UX Researchers should possess strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills. They should be able to identify research objectives, formulate research questions, and design research studies that address specific user needs and challenges.
Flexibility and Adaptability: Government projects can involve complex systems, changing priorities, and evolving requirements. UX Researchers should be adaptable and flexible, able to adjust research plans and methodologies as needed to accommodate shifting circumstances.
Continuous Learning: The field of UX research is constantly evolving, and UX Researchers should have a growth mindset, keeping up with industry trends, learning new research techniques, and seeking opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge.
UX Design
In a government context, both UX (User Experience) and product designers play a vital role in creating intuitive and user-centered government services and digital products. Here are the core competencies, skills, abilities, and mindsets that are valuable for UX or product designers in a government setting:
User-Centered Design: A deep understanding and commitment to user-centered design principles are essential. Designers should advocate for the needs and goals of users, ensuring that government services are accessible, inclusive, and effective.
UX Research and Analysis: Proficiency in UX research methods, such as user interviews, usability testing, and persona development, is valuable. Designers should be able to analyze research findings to inform the design process and make data-driven decisions.
Information Architecture and Interaction Design: Strong skills in structuring information and designing intuitive interactions are crucial. Designers should create clear and organized information architectures, navigation systems, and user flows to enhance the usability of government services.
Visual Design: Proficiency in visual design principles, including layout, typography, color theory, and branding, is important. Designers should create visually appealing interfaces that align with government branding guidelines while ensuring accessibility and usability.
Prototyping and Wireframing: The ability to create interactive prototypes and low-fidelity wireframes is valuable for testing and validating design concepts. Designers should be skilled in using prototyping tools to demonstrate user flows and interactions.
Collaboration and Communication: Strong collaboration and communication skills are crucial for working with cross-functional teams, stakeholders, and developers. Designers should effectively convey design decisions, gather feedback, and advocate for user-centered design principles.
Accessibility and Inclusive Design: Government services should be accessible to all citizens. Designers should have knowledge of accessibility guidelines (such as WCAG) and strive to create inclusive designs that cater to diverse user needs, including those with disabilities.
Compliance and Regulation: Designers in a government context should be familiar with relevant regulations, policies, and legal requirements. They should ensure that designs adhere to privacy, security, and data protection regulations.
Usability Evaluation: Proficiency in conducting usability testing and incorporating user feedback into the design process is valuable. Designers should be able to assess and iterate on designs based on user insights to improve the usability and effectiveness of government services.
Flexibility and Adaptability: Government projects can involve changing requirements, complex systems, and evolving priorities. Designers should be adaptable and flexible, able to adjust designs and iterate based on feedback and changing circumstances.
Project Management: Basic project management skills, such as planning, prioritization, and time management, are beneficial. Designers should be able to work within project constraints and deliver designs on time while maintaining quality.
Ethical and Legal Awareness: Designers should have a strong sense of ethics and be aware of legal obligations, including data privacy, security, and informed consent. They should ensure that design decisions align with ethical guidelines and legal requirements.
Content Design
In a government context, content designers play a critical role in creating clear, concise, and user-friendly content for government services and platforms. Here are the core competencies, skills, abilities, and mindsets that are valuable for content designers in a government setting:
User-Centered Mindset: Content designers should have a deep understanding of user needs and preferences. They should advocate for user-centric design principles and ensure that government content is accessible, inclusive, and understandable for all users.
Writing and Editing: Strong writing and editing skills are crucial. Content designers should be able to create content that is clear, concise, and free of jargon. They should effectively communicate complex information in a user-friendly manner.
Plain Language and Accessibility: Proficiency in plain language principles is important. Content designers should simplify complex concepts, use plain language, and ensure that content is accessible to users with diverse backgrounds and abilities.
Information Architecture: Understanding how to structure and organize content is essential. Content designers should create logical and intuitive information architectures that help users find the information they need easily.
User Research and Analysis: Proficiency in conducting user research, such as user interviews, usability testing, and content audits, is valuable. Content designers should gather user insights and analyze data to inform content decisions and improvements.
Collaboration and Stakeholder Management: Content designers often collaborate with subject matter experts, stakeholders, and other teams. They should have strong collaboration and stakeholder management skills to gather content requirements, incorporate feedback, and ensure alignment with project goals.
Content Strategy: The ability to develop and implement content strategies is beneficial. Content designers should consider the overall content ecosystem, align content goals with user needs, and create content plans that support the objectives of government services.
SEO and Metadata: Familiarity with search engine optimization (SEO) principles and metadata is valuable. Content designers should optimize content to improve search engine visibility and ensure that content is discoverable and findable by users.
Multichannel Content Creation: Government services are often delivered through multiple channels, including websites, mobile apps, and social media. Content designers should be able to adapt content for different channels and formats while maintaining consistency and usability.
Compliance and Legal Awareness: Content designers should be familiar with legal requirements, such as privacy regulations and data protection. They should ensure that content adheres to relevant guidelines and policies.
Attention to Detail: Content designers should have a keen eye for detail. They should ensure accuracy, consistency, and quality in all written content, including grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Flexibility and Adaptability: Government projects can involve changing requirements, shifting priorities, and evolving content needs. Content designers should be adaptable and flexible, able to adjust content strategies and deliverables based on project constraints and user feedback.
Service Design
In a government context, service designers play a crucial role in improving and transforming government services to better meet the needs and expectations of citizens. Here are the core competencies, skills, abilities, and mindsets that are valuable for service designers in a government setting:
User-Centered Mindset: A deep commitment to understanding and prioritizing the needs of citizens is essential. Service designers should advocate for user-centric design principles and ensure that government services are accessible, inclusive, and effective for all users.
Design Thinking and Co-Creation: Proficiency in design thinking methodologies and co-creation techniques is valuable. Service designers should be able to facilitate workshops, collaborative sessions, and engage stakeholders to gather insights, ideate, and co-design solutions.
Service Blueprinting and Journey Mapping: Service designers should be skilled in visualizing and mapping user journeys and service blueprints. They should capture end-to-end user experiences, touchpoints, and pain points to identify opportunities for improvement.
Stakeholder Engagement: Government services involve a wide range of stakeholders, including citizens, government officials, and service providers. Service designers should possess strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively engage with stakeholders, manage expectations, and foster collaboration throughout the design process.
Research and Analysis: Proficiency in conducting qualitative research, such as user interviews, contextual inquiries, and ethnographic research, is important. Service designers should gather and analyze data to gain insights into user needs, behaviors, and pain points to inform the design of government services.
Coherence and Integration: Service designers should focus on creating coherent and integrated service experiences across various touchpoints and channels. They should ensure consistency, seamlessness, and ease of use throughout the user journey.
Prototyping and Testing: The ability to create prototypes and conduct iterative testing is valuable. Service designers should be skilled in creating low-fidelity prototypes to validate and refine service concepts, interactions, and user flows.
Collaboration and Facilitation: Strong collaboration and facilitation skills are crucial for working with cross-functional teams, stakeholders, and subject matter experts. Service designers should be able to facilitate workshops, foster multidisciplinary collaboration, and integrate different perspectives to co-design services.
Systems Thinking: Government services often involve complex systems with interconnected processes and stakeholders. Service designers should have a systems thinking mindset, understanding the broader context and the interdependencies within the government ecosystem.
Change Management: Service designers should be familiar with change management principles and practices. They should be able to facilitate the adoption of new service concepts and guide stakeholders through organizational and cultural change.
Strategic Thinking: The ability to think strategically and align service design initiatives with broader government objectives is important. Service designers should consider the long-term vision, policy implications, and societal impact of the services they design.
Ethical and Legal Awareness: Service designers should have a strong sense of ethics and be aware of legal obligations, such as data privacy, security, and informed consent. They should ensure that service design decisions align with ethical guidelines and legal requirements.
Mural export: