Welcome back. We're seeing the early signs of a seismic shift in the product design landscape, and it's time we talk about it. The industry is approaching what I'm calling a "hard reset," and it's affecting everything from job titles to the tools we use. Let's dive in. P.S. Grab our free 8-part video course to learn how to make sense of information problems like a pro. —Tommy (@DesignerTom) The Wireframe:
Job Titles: A State of FluxThe design industry is experiencing a notable shift in job titles and roles. Here’s what we’re seeing:
​Tom Scott, a respected design recruiter, provides insights on who’s in demand:
Conversely, he notes less demand for:
To navigate this changing landscape, consider using Elizabeth Alli’s Notion template or Maigen Thomas’s FigJam self-assessment matrix to evaluate your current skill set. Tools: Expanding Our CapabilitiesThe evolution of design tools is rapidly increasing our work capacity. Here’s a rundown of some tools making waves:
It's no longer appropriate to include an "AI" category - most tools in all categories are heading towards AI integration. But it’s worth noting that some tools, like Procreate and Sketch, are opting out of integrating AI features. However, AI is increasingly becoming a part of our toolkit, whether explicitly labeled or not. As our tools improve, so do the expectations for our output. This creates a cycle of increased efficiency leading to higher workloads, which in turn drives demand for even better tools. I’ve discussed this phenomenon in my video on how capacity of work increases with the quality of design tools. Together with Dovetail​The Old Ways to Unlock Customer Insights are DeadMarket trends have shifted and time is a luxury. Designers shouldn’t have to:
Enter Dovetail’s Customer Insights Hub. It leverages the power of AI to make it easier for organizations to automatically centralize and transform scattered customer feedback into insights. Don’t let research and arbitrary internal opinions get in the way of what you do best: design. Ready for easily accessible research to inform your design choices? Give it a try for 30 days.​ The Rise of the Design EngineersThe debate about whether designers should learn to code is evolving into a question of how much coding designers should know. I’ve explored this question in my video on Design engineers aka designers who ship. While this role is still fringe, it's gaining steam unlike previous years. It’s a response to the increasing complexity of digital products and the need for faster iteration cycles. Actionable Advice for Navigating These Changes
What's Next for UX ToolsMy trajectory as a developer to founder to design leader was entirely self-taught. I did not come from a background of wealth, higher education, or privileged networks. UX Tools has been my way to make my outcomes possible for more people like me. And as the industry continues to evolve, so will UX Tools. Here's how we're going to be adapting to serve you better:
Our annual Design Tools Survey is going live this week. Expect a separate e-mail and please share this with your peers. Your participation helps us track and analyze these industry changes in real-time to help you make better decisions about which tools to invest into next year. The product design field is undergoing a significant transformation. While change can be challenging, it also brings opportunities for growth and innovation. Stay adaptable, keep learning, and focus on delivering tangible value. See you next week, Tommy Thanks for reading! What's your favorite tool for organizing info? Hit reply and let me know. Enjoying this newsletter? Let us know here. |
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