"This article won't start out well, because I'm sort of at rock bottom in my career and it seems that I'm projecting my frustrations of the industry out in the open. But I promise you, my rants are merely neutral observations and opinions. I love talking to people, and over the last 2 months of unemployment (I am now employed), I called upon designer friends all in Asia and Europe to get their opinion on the current state of Design leadership and how it has impacted our careers."
"Spoiler alert: It ain't great. Hence the article. We seem to have found ourselves in an era where clout matters more than productivity, and when Design's productivity and impact is questioned, we somehow re-direct that discomfort and blame our Engineering and Product counterparts (or other happenings in the industry) for not enabling us to be more productive. "We're not the ones touching the code or deciding the business, so it's not our fault." or "AI is replacing designers!" or [Insert office politics statement here]. If you have no idea what I'm on about, this article is either not for you, or you're part of the problem."
A period of unemployment prompted conversations with designer peers across Asia and Europe about the state of Design leadership and its impact on careers. The current environment prizes clout over measurable productivity and influence. When Design's effectiveness is questioned, practitioners often redirect frustration by blaming Engineering, Product, or external forces instead of examining internal practice and accountability. Common reframes include claiming non‑responsibility for code or business decisions or invoking AI as an existential threat. This defensive posture corrodes professional credibility, amplifies office politics, and undermines career growth. Active reflection and accountability are needed to restore Design's impact.
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