Design teams are like orchestras—each member has a special role to play, from junior designers to creative leads.
Wondering what is the hierarchy of a design team?
In this article we will see how these roles fit together and how you can reach the top.
So grab your sketchpad and let's get started! 🚀
Key Roles in a Design Team 🎭
At the core of every design team are a handful of key roles, each with their own unique set of skills and responsibilities.
Lead Designer 🎨
The lead designer is the visionary and the glue that holds the design team together. They're responsible for setting the overall design direction and ensuring that all the pieces fit together into a cohesive whole.
A great lead designer needs to be equal parts artist 🎨, strategist 🕵️♀️, and diplomat 🤝. They need to have a deep understanding of design principles and trends, but also be able to think strategically about how design fits into the broader business goals. And they need to be able to inspire and motivate their team, while also managing stakeholder expectations and pushback.
Some key responsibilities of a lead designer include:
- Defining and owning the overall design vision and strategy
- Managing and mentoring the design team
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams (e.g. product, engineering, marketing)
- Presenting and defending design decisions to executives and stakeholders
- Staying on top of industry trends and best practices
Senior Designer 🧑🎨
Senior designers are the workhorses of the design team. They're the ones in the trenches, turning the lead designer's vision into reality.
A senior designer needs to be a master of their craft, with deep expertise in one or more areas of design (e.g. UX, visual design, interaction design). They also need to be able to think strategically and solve complex problems, while still sweating the details and delivering pixel-perfect work.
Some key responsibilities of a senior designer include:
- Owning and leading design projects from start to finish
- Collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to ensure successful implementation
- Proactively identifying and solving design problems
- Mentoring and providing feedback to junior designers
- Continuously pushing the boundaries of what's possible with design
And if you want to know the difference with a lead designer, check out our article on senior designer vs lead designer.
Mid-level Designer 👩🎨
Mid-level designers are the bridge between the senior and junior designers. They have a solid foundation in design principles and practices, but are still developing their strategic thinking and leadership skills.
A mid-level designer needs to be able to take on increasingly complex projects and work more autonomously, while also learning from and leaning on the senior designers for guidance and feedback.
Some key responsibilities of a mid-level designer include:
- Taking ownership of significant parts of design projects
- Contributing actively to design discussions and critiques
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams
- Providing guidance and feedback to junior designers
- Continuously learning and expanding their skills and knowledge
Junior Designer 🎓
Junior designers are the fresh faces of the design team. They're eager to learn and grow, but still need a lot of guidance and support.
A junior designer should have a strong foundation in design basics, and be able to take direction and feedback well. They should also be proactive in seeking out learning opportunities and mentorship.
Some key responsibilities of a junior designer include:
- Supporting senior designers in executing design projects
- Creating and iterating on design mockups and prototypes
- Participating actively in design critiques and discussions
- Continuously learning and developing their design skills
- Bringing fresh perspectives and ideas to the table
Career Progression Within a Design Team 🏋️♀️
So how do you grow and advance within a design team hierarchy? It's all about expanding your skills, taking on more responsibility, and demonstrating your value.
Here's a typical career path for a designer:
- Junior Designer: Focus on honing your craft and soaking up as much knowledge as you can. Take on small parts of projects and proactively seek feedback.
- Mid-level Designer: Start taking on more ownership and complexity in your projects. Collaborate more actively with cross-functional teams. Begin mentoring junior designers.
- Senior Designer: Own and lead significant projects end-to-end. Proactively identify and solve high-level design challenges. Provide guidance and mentorship to junior and mid-level designers. Begin thinking more strategically.
- Lead Designer: Take on a leadership role in setting the overall design vision and strategy. Manage and grow the design team. Collaborate at the highest levels cross-functionally and with external stakeholders. Continuously push for design excellence.
Of course, the exact path can vary depending on the size and structure of the organization. In a startup, you may need to wear many hats and take on responsibilities outside your job title. In a larger company, there may be more specialized roles like UX researcher or visual designer.
Building a Design Team
If you're a founder or leader looking to build a design team from scratch, there are a few key things to keep in mind:
Hire for Potential, Not Just Experience 🌱
When you're first starting out, you may not have the budget or brand recognition to attract top senior talent. Instead, look for junior and mid-level designers with raw talent, passion, and growth potential. With the right mentorship and opportunities, they can quickly grow into leadership roles.
Foster a Culture of Collaboration and Feedback 🤝
Design is a team sport, and the best work happens when designers collaborate closely with each other and with cross-functional partners. Foster a culture of open communication, frequent feedback, and healthy debate. Encourage designers to share their work early and often, and to seek out diverse perspectives.
Invest in Design Operations and Infrastructure 🏗️
As your team grows, it's important to put in place the right processes and tools to support their work. This might include things like a design system, user research frameworks, project management tools, and communication channels. By investing in this infrastructure early, you can set your team up for long-term success and scalability.
Always Be Recruiting 🕵️♀️
The best design teams are always on the lookout for new talent, even when they don't have an immediate opening. Build relationships with designers in your network, keep an eye out for promising candidates, and create an environment that talented designers want to be a part of. That way, when you do have an opening, you'll have a pipeline of great candidates ready to go.
The Takeaway 🎁
Building and growing a world-class design team is no easy feat, but it's worth the effort. With the right structure, talent, and culture, your design team can be the secret weapon that sets your startup apart and drives your business forward.
So whether you're a designer looking to grow your career, or a founder looking to build a design-driven organization, keep these lessons in mind. Embrace the design team hierarchy, invest in your people, and always strive for excellence.
Happy designing! 🎨
