UX Competency Framework

I have been working on a Competency Framework to help grow and develop my User Experience Team.  Having done much research it turned out there was very little around.  I hope this is useful to people.

USer Experience Team - COMPETENCY FRAMEWORK

Core Competencies

Project Management

Effectively manages project(s) by appropriately focusing attention on the critical few priorities; effectively creates and executes against project timelines based on priorities, resource availability, and other project requirements (i.e., budget); effectively evaluates planned approaches, determines feasibility, and makes adjustments when needed.

Level 1	Level 2	Level 3
·         Has received training. ·         Has implemented skills by use of trial and error and with the support of others. ·         Requires assistance and guidance from others. ·         Has common knowledge of understanding of core aspects of Project Management. ·         Has implemented Project Management skills on multiple project(s).	·         Has received official training. ·         Confident implementing the general principles of project management. ·         Able to provide on-going project updates regarding progress to ensure stakeholders are informed of status, risks and issues. ·         Repeated successful experiences of running projects. ·         Proven record of achieving projects on time and to budget. ·         Uses estimation techniques effectively to plan. ·         Requires minimum guidance/assistance from others.	·         Completely comfortable with all aspects of Project Management. ·         Models, leads, trains and motivates others to be excellent in Project Management. ·         Proven record of achieving projects on time and to budget. ·         Energizes and creates commitment with team members over project milestones, timelines and measures of success. ·         Has well thought out contingency plans and anticipates the most likely risks to the project plan. ·         Experience giving expert advice and leadership to others, extensive experience, comprehensive knowledge of various different techniques. ·         You are recognised within your immediate peers as “the person to ask” when difficult questions arise regarding Project Management issues.

Communication

Respectfully listens to others to gain a full understanding of issues; comprehends written material; presents information in a clear and concise manner orally and in writing to ensure others understand his/her ideas; appropriately adapts his/her message, style, and tone to accommodate a variety of audiences.

Level 1	Level 2	Level 3
·         Initiates communication and keeps others informed as necessary. ·         Adjusts the format and language to suit the requirements of different audiences. ·         Information and messages are conveyed accurately and promptly and content of message is structured logically. ·         Complicated matters are explained clearly.	·         Information is well structured, clear and concise and methods are chosen and tailored to aid understanding and meet the needs of others. ·         Takes action to correct any misunderstandings or mistakes. ·         Consideration is given to others' needs when choosing how to present the material and checks are made of recipient's understanding. ·         Adapts style in response to feedback. ·         Anticipates others' needs for information. ·         Is able to understand, use and explain technical terms commonly in use in own area of work.	·         Explains complicated matters simply and takes the initiative to keep other people informed. ·         Uses a variety of techniques/formats, selected to suit the needs of others and to aid understanding. ·         Produces grammatical, well expressed, easily understood and interesting text about topics that may be unfamiliar to the reader. ·         Format of information is adapted to meet the needs of the recipient; understanding is checked and information represented or restructured to correct any misunderstandings or mistakes.

Leadership

The ability to influence, motivate and to inspire others to achieve a vision.

Level 1	Level 2	Level 3
·         Remains calm and comfortable. ·         Accurately assesses risks and options. ·         Acts decisively ·         Has a common knowledge or understanding for building teamwork, but may avoid or miss opportunities to provide direction or leadership.	·         Sometimes is innovative, however might miss opportunities to develop new ideas, solutions or methods. ·         Able to develop visions and goals. ·         Common knowledge of strategic thinking.	·         Models, leads, trains and motivates others. ·         Develops a good team working practice. ·         Encourages others to innovate. ·         Proactively seeks to improve. ·         Uses knowledge to develop long term strategies based on visions and goals and is capable of modifying them based on changing conditions.

Influencing/Negotiating

Effectively impacts organizations, persuades and gains support from others.

Level 1	Level 2	Level 3
·         Demonstrates a basic understanding of influencing. ·         Might miss opportunities to use effective behaviours or modify approach to gain support of others. ·         Able to present persuasive arguments that address concerns, wants and needs of others.	·         Able to anticipate objections and plans on how to overcome them using other approaches. ·         Capable of identifying key decision makers. ·         Builds alliances and enlists third party support and outside resources.	·         Models, leads, trains and motivates others. ·         In difficult situations, anticipates objection and plans on ways of overcoming them. ·         Able to present your point of view in a way that enlists others’ support.

Domain Knowledge

Knowledge about the environment in which the target system operates. Domain knowledges are important, because it usually must be learned from software users in the domain (as domain specialists/experts).

Level 1	Level 2	Level 3
·         Has worked on at least one product in the domain. ·         Requires assistance and guidance from others.	·         Has worked on multiple products in the same domain and has an understanding for how the software will be used. ·         Has an understanding of terms and protocols used in the domain, however sometimes needs assistance or reading documentation.	·         Domain expert. ·         You are recognised within your immediate peers as “the person to ask” when difficult questions arise the domain. ·         Has designed and implemented several products/solutions in the domain. ·         Well versed with standard terms, protocols used in the domain. ·         Has observed people using the software within their environment.

Team Specific Competencies

Programming User Interfaces

The ability to program user interfaces (web or thick apps).

A UI Programmer's output is functional, testable, high quality commercially usable code that lets users accomplish their goals when using the end user application.

Level 1	Level 2	Level 3
·         Programming skills or practical experience on developing Web User Interfaces. ·         Programming skills or practical experience on developing win32 User Interfaces. ·         Able to follow Visual Design Specifications to detail. ·         Has developed prototype user interfaces. ·         Has worked with others on the development of User Interfaces. ·         Requires assistance and guidance from others. ·         Requires help and guidance on solving User Interface Defects and Problems. ·         Limited experience of implementing asynchronous interactions in user interfaces. ·         Complies with Coding Standards, however sometimes needs help to achieve them. ·         Able to produce User Interfaces which are testable at various layers, following patterns like MVVM or MVC. ·         Capable of implementing Unit Tests to ensure high coverage of testing. ·         Has Code Base Skill Level 3+ 25% of the UI Code Base.	·         Experience in programming user interfaces and have produced multiple applications, performing effectively in most situations. ·         Has Code Base Skill Level 3+ on at least 50% of the UI Code Base. ·         Able to produce Web User Interfaces efficiently with little help. ·         Able to produce win32 User Interfaces efficiently with little help. ·         Able to develop user interfaces according to specification. ·         Experience performing effectively and consistently without assistance. ·         Able to provide assistance to others. ·         Complies with Coding Standards and can help others. ·         General knowledge of implementing user interfaces and can help others. ·         Able to problem solve User Interface Issues within the code base with limited or no help. ·         Has a good understanding of key patterns for example MVVM and MVC and be able to implement them. ·         Able to efficiently implement Unit Tests to ensure high coverage of testing. ·         Able to implement UI Automation testing to achieve automated UI Testing.  Knowledge on Coded UI or QTP is essential.	·         Extensive knowledge on solving User Interface defects and problems. ·         Has extensive experience with over 75% of the support UI Code Base. ·         Maintains a good in-depth knowledge on new technologies and changes in programming techniques. ·         Providing guidance to others and mentoring on the production of Web Based User Interfaces or win32 Interfaces. ·         Has had extensive training and able to apply knowledge. ·         Experience giving expert advice and leadership to others, extensive experience, comprehensive knowledge of various different languages and technologies ·         Demonstrated skill in all areas. ·         Has strategic and visionary focus. ·         Develops good working relationships with the Visual Designer and Usability Analyst to implement great products. ·         You are recognised within your immediate peers as “the person to ask” when difficult questions arise.

Globalization Knowledge

Knowledge of what it takes to implement User Interfaces which support multiple languages.  This covers an understanding of the risks, how to design and implement applications capable of being used in different languages.

Level 1	Level 2	Level 3
·         Has read technical documentation on implementing applications which support multiple languages. ·         Has implemented changes to provide multilingual support on several web based products. ·         Has implemented changes to provide multilingual support on several win32 based products. ·         Requires assistance and guidance from others. ·         Understands the key issues and risks when implementing multilingual interfaces.	·         Able to be immediately productive in both recommending and implementing solutions. ·         Maintains a good in-depth knowledge on the issues faced with implementing multilingual user interfaces. ·         Can comfortably help less experienced member of staff with most questions. ·         Has successfully delivered many web products that are multilingual capable. ·         Has successfully delivered many win32 products that are multilingual capable.	·         Completely comfortable with all aspects of providing multilingual user interfaces, including the most difficult. ·         Experience working on multiple multilingual products. ·         Able help others with all questions, including best practices, referring only rarely to documentation. ·         Define and implement effective and efficient process and tools for developing multilingual capable products. ·         Models, leads, trains and motivates others to be excellent in implementing multilingual interfaces.

Accessibility Knowledge

Knowledge of what it takes to ensure User Interfaces can be used by everyone (disabled or non-disabled).

This covers an understanding of the risks, how to design and implement applications that can become fully accessible to people with one or more disabilities (visual, audio, kinetic, speech and cognitive impairments).

Level 1	Level 2	Level 3
·         Has read technical documentation on implementing accessible user interfaces. ·         Has implemented accessibility support on multiple web based products. ·         Has implemented accessibility support on multiple win32 based products. ·         Able to use tools to ensure accessibility compliance on both web and win32. ·         Has an understanding on the accessibility Priorities 1-3 ·         Have read and have a limited understanding of the “Website Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)” ·         Requires assistance and guidance from others.	·         Able to be immediately productive in both recommending and implementing solutions. ·         Maintains a good in-depth knowledge on the issues faced with implementing accessible user interfaces.  This should include a good understanding of the types of disabilities and what is required to provide support. ·         Can comfortably help less experienced member of staff with most questions. ·         Has successfully delivered multiple products that comply with accessibility guidelines. ·         Must have a good understanding of the “Website Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)” and be able to assist others. ·         Experience on implementing accessible products in both web and as thicker (win32) applications.	·         Completely comfortable with all aspects of providing accessible user interfaces, including the most difficult. ·         Experience working on multiple products which comply with accessibility guidelines. ·         Able help others with all questions, including best practices, referring only rarely to documentation ·         Have an in depth understanding of the “Website Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)” ·         Define and implement effective and efficient process and tools for developing products that support accessibility. ·         Models, leads, trains and motivates others to be excellent in implementing accessible interfaces.

Visual Design

Visual Design is the designing the visual qualities of a product or system in an aesthetically pleasing way, and being able to communicate their work to customers or stake holders in a convincing and professional way.

Level 1	Level 2	Level 3
·         Has had limited commercial exposure to creating graphics and high fidelity mock-ups. ·         Capable using tools like Illustrator, Photoshop and Visual Studio. ·         Has limited experience on User Centered Design. ·         Able to produce wire frame mockups (annotated where appropriate) and story boards. ·         Requires assistance and guidance from others. ·         Have worked in a number of products or projects and have a proven portfolio.	·         Experience using tools like Illustrator, Photoshop and Visual Studio. ·         Able to provide guidance and support to others on producing graphics. ·         Produces and communicates designs with the user of storyboards. ·         Able to comfortably provide a presentation on design work to stakeholders or customers. ·         Has attended a number of requirements meetings and able to communicate well with the customer to source requirements and able to use low fidelity wire frame mockups to help capture requirements. ·         Have developed style guides for products with the help of others. ·         Able to operate well within the current domain and proven results. ·         Knowledge on technologies and controls for implementing visual designs. ·         Maintains a good in-depth knowledge on style & design trends. ·         Experience/Knowledge in solving business, user problems and the ability to understand the needs of customers. ·         Has experience and good understanding of User Centered Design.	·         Completely comfortable in creating high fidelity mockups using graphics editors. ·         Extensive knowledge on solving user problems with great designs. ·         Experience working on different products. ·         Experience giving expert advice and leadership to others, extensive experience, comprehensive knowledge of various different techniques. ·         Are comfortable producing style guides and branding guides, have produced and worked a number of different examples. ·         Has strategic and visionary focus. ·         Maintains a good in-depth knowledge on style & design trends. ·         Must be comfortable and have experience at presenting solutions to customers at every level. ·         Develops good working relationships with the Programmer and Usability Analyst to implement great products. ·         You are recognised within your immediate peers as “the person to ask” when difficult questions arise. ·         Models, leads, trains and motivates others.

Usability/User Research

Analyzing and maintaining a good knowledge on competitor products.

Determining what users of the product (or of a particular feature) are trying to accomplish, develop an understanding of their pain points.
During the development phase able to assess the usability of the designs by subjecting them to usability tests.

Level 1	Level 2	Level 3
·         Has limited experience in collecting data, has limited understanding of techniques and ways of implementing them. ·         Has limited experience on User Centered Design. ·         Able to conduct or support usability testing of mocks through to end product testing. ·         Able to follow directives on research goals. ·         Able to take data, analyze and develop a draft research report for review by another. ·         Requires assistance and guidance from others.	·         Has experience and good understanding of User Centered Design. ·         Has good proven experience in collecting data and storing it in a useful format. ·         Able to innovate new ways of capturing data and put it into practice. ·         Able to translate findings into design recommendations backed up with good evidence. ·         Provides ideas and suggestions on improving processes. ·         Requires limited guidance and support. ·         Able to create research plans. ·         Minimum 2 year’s experience.	·         Able to define clear research goals and ensure both yourself and peers can deliver against them. ·         Experience giving expert advice and leadership to others, extensive experience, comprehensive knowledge of different techniques in collecting data. ·         Able to serve as an independent reviewer of usability to ensure applications meet customer expectations. ·         Knowledge and experience collecting and storing research on existing products in the market along with improvement opportunities. ·         Works effectively with the Visual Designers and UX Manager to define and contribute to User Interfaces and Interactions. ·         Develops good working relationships with the Visual Designer and Programmer to implement great products. ·         You are recognised within your immediate peers as “the person to ask” when difficult questions arise.

Codebase/Component Skill Rating

The following ratings are used to measure skills in each development project codebase

Refer to the codebase Skills Competencies.

Rating	Definition
0	Has never looked at the components code base.
1	Basic knowledge of the components code base layout, knowledge on the function of the component and can build the code base.
2	Basic knowledge of the code base layout, knowledge on the function of the component and can build the code base and make minor changes.
3	Good working knowledge of code base, has implemented several bug fixes and features.
4	Good working knowledge of code base, has implemented several bug fixes and features.  Can help others with most questions.
5	Able to take individual responsibility for the design and development of the component.  Able to train others on the code base. Has implemented multiple big features to the code base and can independently make changes required for features or bug fixes.  Can help others with  questions only referring to documentation or code rarely.

Technical Skill Rating

The following ratings are used to measure skills in a particular technologies.
Refer to the Technology Skills Competencies.

Rating	Definition
0	Has no knowledge about it.
1	Have read technical documentation but have no hands-experience
2	Have read technical documentation and actually implemented something with it.
3	Have implemented something with it and understand the core aspects of it but still lacking some key knowledge and skill.
4	Can be immediately productive, have done most tasks before, and could comfortably help less experienced developer with most questions.
5	Completely comfortable with all aspects, including the most difficult, could help others with all questions on the subject, including optimization & best practices, referring only rarely to documentation