Design Strategy Skill

This skill provides the tools and frameworks to transform design from a cost center into a strategic value creator. It is based on “The Art of Design Strategy” by Garkay Wong.

Core Workflows

1. Assessment & Maturity

Evaluate organizational design capability and impact level.

• Capability Model: 6 dimensions of maturity (Aesthetics to Force for Good).
• Impact Model: 9 stages of awareness and adoption.
• Reference: capability_model.md

2. Strategic Alignment & Growth

Align design initiatives with corporate priorities using the TRACES Growth Matrix.

• Posture: Optimize (Better), Enhance (Scale), Adapt (Collaborate), or Transform (Differently).
• Investment: Prioritize by Strategic Fit vs. Team Capacity.
• Reference: canvases.md

3. Risk & Threat Management (TRACES)

Identify and respond to external factors: Technical Debt, Regulatory, Audience, Competition, Economic, and Substitute Tech.

• Tools: Threat Identification Canvas & Adaptive Risk Response (ARR) Canvas.
• Reference: traces.md

4. Teams & Talent Management

Structure teams for outcomes and develop talent based on alignment/capability.

• Outcome-Based Teams: Rapid Response, Precision, Agile, or Long-term Planning.
• Career Growth Matrix: 9 personas (e.g., Up-and-Comer, Leader, Unfulfilled).
• Reference: teams_and_talent.md

5. Innovation & Transformation

Lead disruptive change using the 7Cs and Force for Good principles.

• Approach: Balance Normative (Visionary) vs. Empirical (Data-driven) decisions.
• Sustainability: Aligning with ESG and Creating Shared Value (CSV).
• Reference: innovation_and_transformation.md

6. Executive Advocacy

Translate design into the language of the C-suite (ROI, Shareholder Returns, Growth Drivers).

• Reference: business_value.md