Abstract
The design industry is experiencing significant occupational shifts driven by rapid technological advancements, evolving market demands, and other pressures. Traditional roles like 2D rendering, mock-up production, and market research are declining. This research systematically explores these declining roles through comprehensive desk research, expert focus group interview, and in-depth interviews. The study identifies a clear trend: manual, routine processes are being replaced by digital tools, automation (like generative AI and 3D visualization), and multifunctional roles. Societal shifts toward digital content, economic imperatives, and policy frameworks accelerate these changes. To address these transformations, the study proposes a strategic framework: individual designers should diversify skills by integrating creative thinking, strategy, and technological proficiency. Organizations are advised to reorganize into multifunctional teams, emphasizing human-centered competencies. Educational and policy initiatives must update curricula to facilitate continuous adaptation. This research provides practical strategies to support designers in navigating occupational change and ensuring sustainable professional growth.
Keywords
Designer Occupations, Technological Transformation, Strategic Change, Design Management
DOI
https://doi.org/10.21606/drs.2026.1183
Citation
Kim, Y., Kim, C., and Kim, S. (2026) The future of designers: A study on the transition of designer occupations and corresponding strategic responses, in Simeone, L., Gray, C. M., Verhoeven, A., de Götzen, A., Bakırlıoğlu, Y., Zohar, H., Stead, M., and Buwert, P. (eds.), DRS2026: Edinburgh, 8–12 June, Edinburgh, United Kingdom. https://doi.org/10.21606/drs.2026.1183
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License
Included in
The future of designers: A study on the transition of designer occupations and corresponding strategic responses
The design industry is experiencing significant occupational shifts driven by rapid technological advancements, evolving market demands, and other pressures. Traditional roles like 2D rendering, mock-up production, and market research are declining. This research systematically explores these declining roles through comprehensive desk research, expert focus group interview, and in-depth interviews. The study identifies a clear trend: manual, routine processes are being replaced by digital tools, automation (like generative AI and 3D visualization), and multifunctional roles. Societal shifts toward digital content, economic imperatives, and policy frameworks accelerate these changes. To address these transformations, the study proposes a strategic framework: individual designers should diversify skills by integrating creative thinking, strategy, and technological proficiency. Organizations are advised to reorganize into multifunctional teams, emphasizing human-centered competencies. Educational and policy initiatives must update curricula to facilitate continuous adaptation. This research provides practical strategies to support designers in navigating occupational change and ensuring sustainable professional growth.