Am I Saying What You’re Thinking? A Designer’s Reflection on the Tech Industry’s Rollercoaster Ride
The last few years in the tech industry have felt like a whirlwind, haven't they? For those of us in the design world, it's been a real rollercoaster—full of ups, downs, sudden drops, and unexpected twists. But as chaotic as it's been, one thing has become clear: designers, creatives, and problem solvers have proven time and time again just how adaptable and resilient we really are. Am I saying what you’re thinking?
Let’s pause for a moment and take a deeper look at what’s been happening. Whether you're a UX/UI designer, a graphic artist, or a product visionary, you've no doubt felt the ripple effects of this rapidly shifting landscape. But the big question remains: How did we get here, and more importantly, how are we surviving—and thriving—amid it all?
The Shifting Sands of the Tech Industry
A few years back, tech was untouchable. Companies were hiring designers at an unprecedented rate, eager to innovate and build out their digital experiences. Fast forward to today, and many designers find themselves dealing with a sense of uncertainty. Layoffs, budget cuts, hiring freezes—it’s hard not to feel like the ground is moving beneath our feet.
Tech giants, once seen as safe havens for creativity and growth, have faced economic pressures, forcing them to pull back on hiring or re-strategise entirely. And we’ve all been impacted by that shift, especially in design roles where innovation feels so tightly intertwined with corporate priorities.
But let’s be real, it’s not just about job security or project scopes. The way we approach design itself has been evolving too. New tools, workflows, AI integration—keeping up with everything can sometimes feel like drinking from a fire hose. There’s a sense of "Will I ever catch up?" swirling in the air.
Yet, despite all this, here we are. Still creating. Still pushing boundaries. Still showing up.
Designers: The Heartbeat of Innovation
Here’s the thing: Designers have always had to adapt. Think about it—design is a discipline rooted in problem-solving, in figuring out new ways to approach old problems. It's in our DNA to evolve.
While the tech world around us has shifted, we’ve found ways to pivot, re-skill, and innovate. Look at how many of us have learned to embrace tools like Figma, Sketch, and Webflow, platforms that didn’t even exist in their current form a decade ago. And now, as AI and machine learning seep deeper into the industry, we’re stepping up again, figuring out how these tools can enhance our creativity rather than stifle it.
We've embraced the shift from static, pixel-perfect design to agile, user-centred workflows. We've learned to think beyond aesthetics and truly understand user behaviour and journey mapping. And now, with AI creeping into the design space, many of us are beginning to experiment with what’s possible—seeing AI as a partner in our creative processes, not a threat.
Resilience in the Face of Change
But what about the emotional toll? Let’s not sugarcoat it—this industry rollercoaster has been emotionally draining. Many of us have experienced burnout, uncertainty, or even imposter syndrome, wondering whether we can keep pace with the ever-evolving demands of the tech world.
Yet, if there’s one thing that sets designers apart, it’s resilience. I’m willing to bet that despite everything you’ve gone through, you’re still passionate about what you do. That’s the beauty of our field—design isn’t just a job, it’s a mindset, a way of viewing the world, and a desire to solve problems that matter.
We’ve all had moments of doubt, where it feels like we’re treading water, but we also know that every challenge brings an opportunity to learn something new, to grow, and to redefine what’s possible. Whether it's experimenting with a new design system, embracing accessibility, or finding new ways to collaborate remotely, we have never stopped learning.
Navigating the AI and Automation Hype
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: AI. Everyone seems to be asking, "Is AI going to take my job?" Honestly, that's been one of the most talked-about fears lately, hasn’t it? Sure, tools like DALL·E and MidJourney can spit out mind-blowing visuals in seconds, but does that mean we, as designers, are on the brink of obsolescence?
Not quite. What AI lacks—and likely always will—is the human touch. Yes, AI can generate assets, but it can't think like a human. It doesn't have empathy, can't tell a story, and certainly doesn’t understand user needs the way we do. AI can be a tool in our toolkit, but we are the ones wielding it.
Many of us are already embracing AI in our workflows, using it to optimise processes, spark new ideas, and automate mundane tasks. But the creativity, the human-centred thinking, and the empathy? That’s all on us, and that’s something no machine will ever replace.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Design in Tech
So, where does this leave us? The past few years have indeed shaken the foundation of our industry, but they’ve also reinforced one thing: designers are an essential part of tech’s future. We’re the ones who bring human connection to digital experiences. We turn abstract ideas into tangible, meaningful interactions.
As we move forward, the question isn't about whether we'll survive in this ever-changing industry, but how we'll continue to shape it. Because we will. Designers don’t just adapt—we innovate. We drive change. We’re the ones that bring life to tech.
And through it all—the challenges, the uncertainties, and the nonstop evolution—we’re still here. Still designing. Still dreaming. Still thinking, "Am I saying what you're thinking?"