Designers should not fear being replaced by AI, industry leaders say

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-07T04:20:28.176Z • Permanent link

Renowned industrial designer, Marc Newson, has sparked controversy by stating that professional designers should not fear being replaced by generative AI. Newson, who has worked with top brands such as Airbus and Nike, made the comments in an interview with CNN, emphasizing that AI should be viewed as a tool to augment human creativity rather than a replacement. This stance is shared by other industry leaders, including futurist and designer, Nigel Marsh, who argues that AI can be a powerful collaborator in the design process.

Meanwhile, companies like Autodesk and Adobe have already begun to integrate AI-powered tools into their software, allowing designers to work alongside machines that can generate concepts and ideas. For instance, Autodesk's Dreambook software uses AI to analyze and generate designs based on user inputs. Similarly, Adobe's Fresco app utilizes AI-powered brushes to create realistic paintings and drawings. These developments are not limited to the United States; companies in the UK, such as Rolls-Royce, have also started to explore the use of AI in design.

Globally, the use of AI in design is expected to continue growing, with estimates suggesting that by 2025, AI will be used in 70% of all design projects. As AI becomes increasingly prevalent, designers must adapt and learn to work alongside machines that can generate ideas and concepts. According to a report by Deloitte, 60% of designers believe that AI will augment their skills, rather than replace them. However, the pace of change is rapid, and designers must be prepared to evolve and develop new skills in order to remain relevant.

The impact of AI on the design industry will be felt far beyond the creative sector. Companies like Apple and Samsung, which rely heavily on design to differentiate their products, will need to reassess their approach to design in light of the growing use of AI. Research communities, such as the Design Council, will also need to adapt their approaches to incorporate AI-powered tools and techniques. In the UK, the government has announced plans to invest £100 million in AI research, with a focus on areas such as healthcare and transportation.

In the world of research, the impact of AI on design will be felt in areas such as user experience (UX) and human-computer interaction (HCI). According to a report by the Royal Society of Arts, 75% of designers believe that AI will improve the user experience, but there are also concerns about the potential for bias and lack of transparency in AI-powered design tools. As a result, researchers will need to develop new methods and frameworks for evaluating the impact of AI on design. In the US, the National Science Foundation has announced plans to invest $200 million in AI research, with a focus on areas such as ethics and responsibility.

The debate over the role of AI in design is part of a larger conversation about the future of work and the impact of technology on society. In recent years, there have been concerns about the potential for automation to displace human workers, particularly in sectors such as manufacturing and transportation. However, the reality is that many jobs will be transformed by AI, rather than replaced. According to a report by the McKinsey Global Institute, by 2030, AI could create up to 140 million new jobs worldwide.