ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the literature on expertise. The generic models of expertise are based around the idea of a staircase rather than a ramp. Each step requires the acquisition of some skills or understanding, or both. A model of design expertise is then introduced and explored. Readers are then invited to assess where on this staircase of design expertise they are currently and to see what the remaining steps consist of. They can also look back over their design course so far and appreciate the learning they have already completed.
