IDEO is downsizing 😱. What does that mean for aspiring UX designers?

In a surprising move, IDEO, a pioneering force in design thinking, has recently scaled back its workforce and shuttered some offices, creating waves of speculation within the design community. Far beyond a routine corporate restructuring, this shift serves as a compass pointing toward the evolving terrain of design careers, especially in the realm of user experience (UX) and related fields. There are articles saying “Design giant Ideo cuts a third of staff and closes offices as the era of design thinking ends”.

This story was written with the assistance of an AI writing program.

Unpacking Ideo’s Decision: A Reflection of Industry Shifts

The decision to downsize at IDEO is a complex one, echoing several shifts in the design industry:

1. Market Saturation and Internalization: The widespread adoption of design thinking principles across organizations has perhaps reduced the demand for external consultancy services like those Ideo offered. Robson himself argued that “the widespread adoption of design thinking . . . has reduced demand for our services.” (Ideo was, in part, its own competition here since for years, it sold courses on design thinking.)
2. Shifting Industry Demands: The design industry is rapidly evolving with new technologies. Fields like AI and AR design are gaining prominence, necessitating a shift in skill focus.
3. Economic Considerations: The global impact of the pandemic and tightened budgets worldwide have left their mark on the outsourcing of UX services.

What This Means for Aspiring UX Designers

In light of IDEO’s restructuring, there are several key considerations for those embarking on a career in UX:

1. Robust Demand for UX: Despite IDEO’s shift, the demand for UX professionals remains robust. The digital realm continually seeks professionals capable of enhancing and streamlining user experiences. Many businesses are now opting for in-house UX designers, bypassing external agencies.
2. The Need for Diverse Skills: Aspiring UX designers are encouraged to broaden their skill sets, incorporating knowledge in areas such as AI, AR, and digital design to stay ahead in this evolving landscape.
3. Adaptability is Essential: The dynamic nature of UX design demands professionals who can readily adapt to new tools, methodologies, and evolving user expectations.

Exploring Alternative Design Careers

Alternatively, aspiring designers can explore several exciting and emerging career paths within the design realm:

1. Product Design: Managing the entire lifecycle of a product, focusing on usability, functionality, and aesthetic appeal.
2. Digital Design: Crafting engaging visuals and layouts for websites and mobile applications.
3. AI Design: Working on user experiences for AI-powered applications, blending machine learning insights with user-centric design principles.
4. AR and VR Design: Meeting the growing need for designers who can create immersive and engaging experiences on these platforms.
5. Service Design: Enhancing the overall customer experience across various service touchpoints.

IDEO’s downsizing signifies a pivotal moment in the design industry, indicating both shifts and new opportunities. For aspiring designers, this serves as a call to diversify skills and adapt to the evolving demands of the industry. The future of design careers lies in versatility and the ability to apply design thinking across various sectors and emerging technologies. As the landscape evolves, so too do the opportunities for innovative and adaptable designers.

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I am Dana, thank you so much for reading. I will see you next time.