Thanks for writing this James. Sometimes (as designers) it often feels like we are shouting into the void, and you've written something that not only softens those feelings, but also offers an artifact to point to when having these discussions.
100% agree with you. Unfortunately I am beginning to see the design needle swinging more toward leaders/business rather than users. When in reality, with the advent of AI people will soon be looking for more human/personal experiences.
We've seen this in the real world, with people seeking novelty, run clubs, secret intimate gigs etc. It won't be long until they'll want to have similar experiences with software.
Thank you for the article and the perspective. Even before AI, I've promoted and pushed for a more design-centric approach to building products.
My sense is that as leaders are focused on how to integrate AI into the product and into the product-building process, they're less focused on design merely as a function of bandwidth. This is where the traits and habits you call out in your article would become a detriment to the community.
However, this too shall pass as we move through this transformation. The question is, will design be put at the center then? Given the number of products I'm frustrated by today (due to poor UX), I'm not sure.
Design has always ebbed and flowed in priority and understanding. It's unfortunate that now, due to external pressures of business, that designers have to contort to try to get their feet under the table.
They are being asked to quantify their value. Even though it might not show until much later, or not be quantifiable at all.
We will get through this phase, however, as many have hypothesised, what could happen (with the help of AI) is the great designers just become great founders. Which in turn will create a new wave of (design lead) companies, just like the ones you mentioned in your article.
Thanks for writing this James. Sometimes (as designers) it often feels like we are shouting into the void, and you've written something that not only softens those feelings, but also offers an artifact to point to when having these discussions.
You’re welcome Paul. I’m glad it is useful and can provide a way to evolve the situation.
There is so much value to be unlocked in design and design teams.
100% agree with you. Unfortunately I am beginning to see the design needle swinging more toward leaders/business rather than users. When in reality, with the advent of AI people will soon be looking for more human/personal experiences.
We've seen this in the real world, with people seeking novelty, run clubs, secret intimate gigs etc. It won't be long until they'll want to have similar experiences with software.
I've written more about that, and other frustrations here - https://aquietfracture.substack.com/p/designs-not-dead-we-just-gave-in?r=18x7x3
Thank you for the article and the perspective. Even before AI, I've promoted and pushed for a more design-centric approach to building products.
My sense is that as leaders are focused on how to integrate AI into the product and into the product-building process, they're less focused on design merely as a function of bandwidth. This is where the traits and habits you call out in your article would become a detriment to the community.
However, this too shall pass as we move through this transformation. The question is, will design be put at the center then? Given the number of products I'm frustrated by today (due to poor UX), I'm not sure.
You're welcome, and you're right.
Design has always ebbed and flowed in priority and understanding. It's unfortunate that now, due to external pressures of business, that designers have to contort to try to get their feet under the table.
They are being asked to quantify their value. Even though it might not show until much later, or not be quantifiable at all.
We will get through this phase, however, as many have hypothesised, what could happen (with the help of AI) is the great designers just become great founders. Which in turn will create a new wave of (design lead) companies, just like the ones you mentioned in your article.
Don't ask me for a timeline though…
Yes! "great designers just become great founders".