The real threat to designers isn’t AI

AI can generate interfaces, create variations, and produce visual designs. But it can’t (yet) walk into a stakeholder meeting and explain why moving the CTA “above the fold” will increase conversions by 15%.

What actually gets designers replaced:

In my 15 years, I’ve seen designers lose their jobs or get sidelined not because of technology, but because when asked “why did you design it this way?” they say:

• “It looks better”
• “Best practice”
• “It felt right”
• “That’s what Airbnb does”

Those designers can’t connect their design decisions to business outcomes, user behaviour, or strategic goals.

If you can only make things pretty but can’t explain:

• Why this layout will reduce support tickets
• How this navigation structure aligns with user mental models
• Why this interaction pattern will improve task completion
• What business problem this solves

...then you’re already replaceable. Not necessarily by AI, but by designers who CAN articulate value. Or by AI tools operated by PMs or developers who understand strategy.

Your job security doesn’t come from Figma skills.

It comes from being able to translate design into business impact and defend your choices with reasoning, data, and strategy.