Why Demand for Designers Is on the Rise | Figma Blog

Companies are investing more in design, with 82% of leaders reporting that demand has either increased or remained steady. The post argues that AI is not reducing the need for designers; instead, it is increasing demand for people who can use AI tools, design AI products, and connect design with strategy and business growth. Fast-growing organizations are leading this hiring momentum, while employers increasingly favor experienced, AI-fluent candidates.

Design hiring is increasing across industries

• Nearly half of hiring managers say demand for designers has increased, and most of them report growth of at least 10%; more than a quarter report increases of 25% or more.
• Technology companies lead hiring, but demand is also growing in sectors such as retail, publishing, aviation, and other non-tech industries.
• Companies are hiring designers to improve digital experiences, strengthen online presence, and create new customer value.
• Planned hiring varies by company growth:
  • 46% of fast-growing companies expect to increase hiring.
  • 40% of average-growth companies plan to do so.
  • 33% of slower-growth companies expect increased hiring.
• High-growth companies view design as a way to test ideas earlier, move faster, differentiate products, and drive revenue.
• Although only 20% of managers believe the overall hiring market is improving, 40% plan to add design headcount within six months.
• Design job postings among Designer Fund portfolio companies reportedly rose about 60% in 2025 compared with 2024.

AI is fueling demand for designers

• Rapid advances in AI models and tools are creating demand for designers who can immediately work with evolving AI processes.
• Employers want both:
  • Proficiency with AI tools in everyday design workflows.
  • Experience designing AI-powered products.
• 73% of hiring managers report an increasing need for AI-tool proficiency.
• 79% report an increasing need for knowledge of designing AI products.
• AI fluency is increasingly treated as a hiring requirement rather than an optional advantage.
• Companies are prioritizing candidates who combine technical ability, strategic thinking, experimentation, and approaches such as human-in-the-loop and human-augmented AI.

Seniority and broader judgment matter

• The article begins a discussion of companies prioritizing senior talent, particularly as teams face pressure to deliver quickly.
• Hiring managers are looking for designers with strong skills, judgment, and experience—not only executional ability.
• The combination of design expertise, strategic thinking, and AI capability is becoming increasingly valuable.

Designers can improve their prospects by developing practical AI fluency alongside core design skills, learning how to design AI products, and demonstrating strategic judgment and business impact.