Over the past decade, digital design tools and apps have made design more accessible, allowing anyone to create websites, logos, and prototypes easily. This has led to a shift in the role of designers and the need for new skills and expanded roles. Design systems have emerged as a solution to standardize design decisions and improve coherence across products. Designers are now required to adopt a systems mindset and address the needs of diverse user bases. Additionally, designers need to bridge the gap between different stakeholders and advocate for the end user, prioritizing their needs and upholding ethical standards. The future of design lies in personalization and creating thoughtful experiences to solve problems at scale.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accessibility of digital design | From exclusive to inclusive | Increased diversity in design | Explosion of digital design tools and apps |
| Shift in the role of designers | From traditional to expanded | Designers taking on new roles | Automation of design tasks |
| Specialization in design roles | From general to specific | Increased role specification and segmentation | Maturation and value of the design industry |
| Design systems and standardization | From individual to standardized | Standardized design decisions and improved coherence | Scalability and efficiency in digital product development |
| Designer as systems architect | From individual design to system-level design | Designers adopting a systems mindset | Acceleration of organizations and product complexity |
| Designer as product manager | From focus on design to focus on cross-functional collaboration | Designers playing a role in facilitation and alignment | Remote work and the need for effective collaboration |
| Designer as user advocate | From business-focused to user-focused design | Designers advocating for user needs and ethical solutions | Balancing business, product, and user needs |
| Designing for individualization | From homogeneity to personalization | Opportunities for individualized design within standardized systems | Desire for personal expression in technology |