Will product designers replace UX/UI designers in 2030?

It’s difficult to predict the future stability of job roles, particularly in the realm of digital product design. Digital-focused positions are more susceptible to fluctuations due to factors such as technological advancements, evolving corporate strategies, and economic downturns. Major tech companies like Microsoft, Amazon, Apple, and Twitter have, at times, implemented significant layoffs. UX/UI designers, too, face uncertainties regarding the risk of losing their jobs in this dynamic landscape.

Some UX/UI designers express concerns about the possibility of being replaced by other overlapping roles such as product designers. Some might feel uncertain of the market demand for their skills and are unsure how to prepare for an unpredictable future. This article explores whether their worries are grounded in reality.

“Most good designers have been doing this for decades”

- Dan Saffer, Product Designer and author of Microinteractions

The difference between UX/UI designers and product designers

UX/UI designer is a familiar term to those working in tech industries, while ‘product designer’ might not be. In the past, product designers were usually responsible for designing physical objects like home appliances and consumer goods. These days, a product designer’s job scope might also include digital products.

While both roles involve the design of a digital product, they differ significantly in their specific functions. UX/UI designers are primarily responsible for the end-to-end design process, which includes both UX (User Experience) design and UI (User Interface) design. Although UX design and UI design are interdependent components, they can either be divided between multiple roles or covered by one person. This can vary based on a company's structure and the skills of each team member.

• UX/UI Designer
  A UX/UI designer focuses on creating a product that is both functional and visually appealing. They are responsible for conducting user research, developing personas, and crafting wireframes and prototypes to ensure the product is intuitive and enjoyable to use. UX designers emphasize usability and the overall user experience, while UI designers concentrate on the visual aspects, including layout, color schemes, and typography. Their work involves close collaboration with developers to bring designs to life and continuous iteration based on user feedback and analytics.

• Product Designer
  A product designer takes a broader approach, encompassing not only UX/UI design but also product strategy, market research, and alignment with business goals. They oversee the entire product lifecycle from ideation to launch, ensuring the product meets user needs and business objectives. Product designers conduct market research, validate prototypes, and collaborate closely with product managers, developers, and other stakeholders. They balance user experience with strategic considerations, analyzing product performance and iterating based on data and feedback to achieve a successful product in the market.

Although the granular details in the roles of UX/UI designers and product designers may evolve, there remains a need for someone to oversee the design of all product components. Therefore, UX/UI designers are likely to remain members of the product team. However, there might be room for unique new specializations in the future, such as interactive design or VUI (Voice User Interface). UX/UI designers and product designers will continue to collaborate, with even more distinct responsibilities in the future.

Current and future market demand for UX/UI designers 

Not only are UX/UI designers here to stay, but the demand for their skills is steadily increasing. Nielsen predicts a significant rise in the number of UX workers globally, from 1 million to 100 million by 2050. Additionally, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a 16% increase in hiring for designers between 2022 and 2032.

Both domestic and international companies are actively seeking UX/UI designers, particularly in the booming digital industries of the USA and India. The UX Design Institute's research highlights the high demand for these professionals in sectors like finance, banking, manufacturing, retail, e-commerce, and digital agencies, alongside the recurring need in tech companies.

We also see this trend here in Thailand, based on job postings on platforms like Indeed and Glassdoor.

Skills UX/UI designers need to learn to stay competitive

To maintain a strong career trajectory, UX/UI designers should broaden their skill sets beyond the basic tools, design principles, and baseline levels of empathy for users. Here are some of the hard and soft skills that help UX/UI designers remain relevant and sought-after by top employers.

Hard skills:

• Understand business objectives and integrate them into designs.

• Stick to universal design principles.

• Prioritize user security and privacy.

• Utilize data analytics to find insights from user behavior.

• Maintain proficiency in relevant programming languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

• Stay up to date with emerging technologies like Voice User Interface (VUI) and Generative AI.

Soft skills:

• Use problem-solving under pressure and limitations.

• Be sensitive to cultural nuances and individual preferences.

• Use effective interpersonal skills to collaborate with diverse teams and clients.

• Commit to continuous learning and skill enhancement.

• Adapt to changes in technology and industry trends.

The importance of UX/UI designers in modern businesses

In the coming 5-10 years, companies will increasingly rely on UX/UI designers, as they play a pivotal role in achieving the following objectives:

• Designing products that align with branding and business goals.

• Understanding user needs and preferences.

• Developing intuitive and user-friendly products that deliver a superior user experience.

• Ensuring consistent and optimal display of designs across various platforms and devices.

• Collaborating effectively with diverse teams and driving projects seamlessly to completion.

With skilled UX/UI designers managing these responsibilities, companies can retain their user base, cultivate customer loyalty, and enhance their SEO strategy.  UX/UI designers help companies increase conversion rates to consistently attract new users, encourage them to increase their spending, and even optimize resources.

The future is coming and Seven Peaks is ready

Based on what we’ve discussed in this article, UX/UI designers can be confident that the demand for their expertise won’t just continue, but might even increase. If you’re continuously updating your skills, those working in UX/UI design shouldn’t worry about looking for a new career.

Seven Peaks is a digital transformation consultant specializing in digital product design. We have many experienced UX/UI designers and product designers who have worked for leading brands around the world. If you’re looking for a great career path, join us. Or, if your company is looking for help with your digital product designs, reach out to us today.

Jeremie Tisseau   Jeremie Tisseau, CEO & founder of Seven Peaks and Chief Design Officer at Seven Peaks. He turned Seven Peaks into the most recognized UX agency in Bangkok.