The Proficiency Passage includes higher education (in a degreed vocational,college or university program), internships and graduate education. It is encouraged that during college or university coursework aspiring designersshould have internship opportunities to gain industry experience outside ofthe classroom.

The Workforce Passage includes freelance work, institutional employment andentrepreneurship. Employment is defined as having paid full-time and or part-time design-related work experience in a for-profit or not-for-profit company ororganization.

The Influence Passage represents policymakers and influential individuals suchas faculty educators, managers, chief creative officers and retirees.