Digital Interactive Media Design

WorldSkills Occupational Standards (WSOS)

Occupation description and WSOS

The name of the skill competition is

Description of the associated work role(s) or occupation(s)

Digital Interactive Media Design is an innovative occupation that designs and creates interactive media content through advanced digital technologies. The interactive media are based on graphics, text, video, sound and animation. This form of media both enhances the interaction between users and companies, and significantly improves the interactivity and efficiency of information delivery. It optimizes the user experience, and brings significant economic benefits to enterprises, achieving a win-win situation.

In summary, the Digital Interactive Media Designer

determines the objectives and constraints of an assignment
researches and analyzes the communication requirements
formulates design concepts
prepares sketches, diagrams, illustrations and layouts…
designs complex graphics and animation
creates 2D and 3D image
negotiates design solutions
selects and specifies materials and media
details and documents the selected design
liaises with or carries out production.

This role requires good design skills, user research capabilities, teamwork and a keen eye for new technologies and trends. Globally, the expertise in demand covers creativity, design and technical skills, as well as transversal skills. Interaction between customers and designers is key. The role is specialised and has many applications. It requires a deep understanding of users’ needs, and behaviours to determine product functionality and performance through research and analysis. Specialised design software and techniques support conceptualisation, design, and the interactive processes of communication media. There must be close working with cross-functional teams, including media producers, product managers, and marketers

Digital Interactive Media Designers must keep abreast of the latest design trends and technological developments, and to continuously grow their expertise to create innovative and competitive digital experiences. They cover a wide range of digital domains such as websites, mobile applications, smart device interfaces, virtual reality and augmented reality experiences. They are committed to providing users with convenient, efficient and enjoyable interactive experiences.

Digital Interactive Media Design is a cutting-edge field that integrates creative technology and user experiences, requiring practitioners to have innovative design thinking and proficiency in digital media tools and technologies, including image production, video production, and interactive webpage production. The trend towards interactive design provides new employment opportunities for all kinds of organizations, enterprises and individuals, and offers a broad development space for young people who are confident and have expertise in new technologies. As the field of digital media interactive design expands, it is increasingly attractive as an occupation and career route for young people

The WorldSkills Occupational Standards (WSOS)

General notes on the WSOS

The WSOS specifies the knowledge, understanding, skills, and capabilities that underpin international best practice in technical and vocational performance. These are both specific to an occupational role and also transversal. Together they should reflect a shared global understanding of what the associated work role(s) or occupation(s) represent for industry and business (www.worldskills.org/WSOS).

The skill competition is intended to reflect international best practice as described by the WSOS, to the extent that it can. The Standard is therefore a guide to the required training and preparation for the skill competition.

In the skill competition the assessment of knowledge and understanding will take place through the assessment of performance. There will only be separate tests of knowledge and understanding where there is an overwhelming reason for these.

The Standard is divided into distinct sections with headings and reference numbers added.

Each section is assigned a percentage of the total marks to indicate its relative importance within the Standards. This is often referred to as the “weighting”. The sum of all the percentage marks is 100. The weightings determine the distribution of marks within the Marking Scheme.

Through the Test Project, the Marking Scheme will assess only those skills and capabilities that are set out in the WorldSkills Occupational Standards. They will reflect the Standards as comprehensively as possible within the constraints of the skill competition.

The Marking Scheme will follow the allocation of marks within the Standards to the extent practically possible. A variation of up to five percent is allowed, if this does not distort the weightings assigned by the Standards.

WorldSkills Occupational Standards

Section		Relative importance (%)
1	Work organisation and management	8
	The individual needs to know and understand: Principles, regulations and standards relating to safe workspace and practices The importance of personal integrity and ethical standards The obligation of clients and users to ensure the security of their data, information and other types of property. The need for self-assessment in relation to the demands and expectations of each assignment, and the role more widely The nature of contracts and agreements and the rights and obligations attached to them Availability of resources needed to meet client needs Good practices in the acquisition, use, storage and maintenance of equipment and materials Techniques and options for work planning, scheduling and prioritization The importance of well-planned and structured work practices, including attention to detail, accuracy and inspection The importance of continuous and proactive professional development.
	The individual shall be able to: Organize and maintain secure and efficient workspace Maintain the integrity and confidentiality of systems, data, information and documents at all times Procure, utilize, maintain and store all equipment and materials to ensure optimal and continuous performance Read, evaluate and clarify rights and obligations associated with all forms of formal documentation Review opportunities, expectations and offers relative to one's professional competence in order to make open informed choices Select, use and keep current measures for work planning, scheduling and prioritization Check and ensure that all specific resources are available for the work being done Meet or improve customer and other satisfaction through self-knowledge, expectation management, and personal efficiency and effectiveness Actively develop personal expertise through research and professional development.
2	Communication and interpersonal skills	7
	The individual needs to know and understand: The principles and application of cost, budgets and pricing relative to market factors The importance of speaking, listening and writing in communicating with clients, co-workers and others Communication and behavioural skills to prevent, mitigate, and resolve misunderstandings The need for discretion and confidentiality when dealing with clients and others The importance of establishing and maintaining productive partnerships with co-workers and team members Software documentation conventions and agreements The entire documentation process from receipt of a brief to completion and handover of agreed work Principles and applications of record keeping and report writing.
	The individual shall be able to: Prepare for meetings with clients and colleagues Collect, clarify and confirm customer requirements Receive, clarify and interpret summaries and specifications Provide and discuss options and alternatives Discuss time, costs and fees with clients to achieve mutual acceptance Record and take account of clients’ requirements Use project management skills and techniques Make best use of workplace organization and resources Follow instructions in available guidance documents Prioritize tasks Allocate resources to tasks Document each stage in the development of each assignment Keep clients regularly updated on progress Recommend and finalize software solutions.
3	Digital content creation	30
	The individual needs to know and understand: User needs, business scenarios and competing products Different media content types The commonly used authoring tools and software Actual and potential audiences, including their interests, needs and habits Audience behaviour on different platforms Principles and methods for identifying and selecting appropriate platforms, content, and formats The options and bases for selecting the "most effective way" approaches Principes and approaches to developing content creation plans The use of content styles and brand imagery to build brand awareness and trust The bases for developing creative and communication techniques, including effective verbal expression Principles of visual design How to record and edit videos How to record and edit audio content The range of content production processes How to complete creative content planning to fulfil users’ needs in a targeted manner Colour theory and the application of primary, secondary, mixed and balanced colours.
	The individual shall be able to: Choose the right type of media content for its purpose Use authoring tools and software Analyze users’ needs and identify target audiences Select appropriate media platforms Follow each client's brand guidelines and align the style of content with the brand image Complete copywriting with clear presentation, correct grammar and catchy headlines Produce high quality video content Produce clear, high quality audio content Design and implement simple, easy-to-use and engaging interactive content Conduct rigorous testing exercises to ensure that content is free of major defects and meets design requirements Give due consideration to the security of user information and take the necessary measures to protect user data from disclosure or misuse.
4	Interactive interface design	30
	The individual needs to know and understand: Design principles of simplicity, intuition, and aesthetics Design principles for the user experience Design principles for the user Interface (UI) Design methodologies for the user experience (UE/UX) The rationale, organisation, and conduct of meetings The principles and applications of user-centred product design Principles and methods for ensuring inclusive design, taking into account each relevant user group The importance of consistency throughout the design process to optimise efficient and satisfying use. The importance of ensuring the currency of the design process and the resulting product.
	The individual shall be able to: Organize review meetings, inviting relevant parties to review the prototype Change and optimize the prototype based on feedback and own judgement Conduct visual design based on the prototype, including colour matching, icon design, and font selection Check that the design is Is fully user centred. Is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities Is culturally appropriate Is current in relation to news, trends, and market expectations, and has consistency Finalize user interface designs and visual designs Design clear interaction flows to ensure that users can complete all operations smoothly. Provide clear feedback mechanisms, including alerts for successful, failed, and waiting status Ensure that interface elements are well laid out and harmoniously colour-coordinated Use easy-to-recognize icons and fonts to ensure the accuracy and efficiency of information communicated. Fully utilize the visual hierarchy to guide users’ visual flow and improve browsing efficiency. Support a variety of interaction methods, such as click, slide, voice, to meet the needs of different users. Access a range of information resources, effectively collect, process, and publish information Use additional methods for integrating and processing information Support the production process through effective communication, teamwork and management skills Ensure the design can be displayed and interacted with effectively on different devices such as cell phones, tablets, computers, and screen sizes Optimize the design for different devices and user habits to enhance the user experience.
5	Performance optimization and review	25
	The individual needs to know and understand: Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Social media optimization (SMO) Site speed optimization (image optimization, cache utilization, content delivery networks, HTTP request reduction) Mobile optimization (responsive design, mobile-first principles) Market analysis for digital media products Project analysis and product planning for products The use of analytics tools (such as Google Analytics and social media analytics tools, etc.) to monitor content performance.
	The individual shall be able to: Collect and analyze user feedback to continuously improve the content quality and user experience Optimize page loading speed and response time to ensure that users can quickly access and use the product. Reduce unnecessary resource consumption and improve the overall performance and stability of the product Organize team review meetings to discuss the gains and losses in the content creation and publishing process Collect, analyze, and monitor relevant publicity and promotions, operations and management of media accounts Continuously focus on user feedback and operation data, and continuously optimize designs to enhance users’ experience Carry out optimisation measures, such as adjusting content structure, improving SEO, and optimising users’ experience. Continuously improve content quality through data collection, key metrics analysis, user feedback, team discussion and improvement measures.
	Total	100

References for industry consultation

General notes

WorldSkills is committed to ensuring that the WorldSkills Occupational Standards fully reflect the dynamism of internationally recognized best practice in industry and business. To do this WorldSkills approaches a number of organizations across the world that can offer feedback on the draft Description of the Associated Role and WorldSkills Occupational Standards on a two-yearly cycle.

In parallel to this, WSI consults three international occupational classifications and databases:

ISCO-08: (http://www.ilo.org/public/english/bureau/stat/isco/isco08/)
ESCO: (https://ec.europa.eu/esco/portal/home )
O*NET OnLine (www.onetonline.org/)

References

This WSOS is classified within ISCO-08 Unit Group 2166: Graphic and Multimedia Designers (p.124).

In greater detail it closely relates to O*NET 15-1255: Web and Digital Interface Designers https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/15-1255.00

Also to ESCO 2166.7. Digital Media Designer. http://data.europa.eu/esco/occupation/d5a43cd3-230e-46d0-ba05-d67d61e5cfbb

Unfortunately no feedback was received from business and industry for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.