Double Click: What Does It Mean To Be A Designer In The Age Of AI? | Figma Blog

"Titles convey status, imply expertise, and signal values. They help us connect quickly with others by giving us a shorthand for how to understand and relate to another person. Studies show that titles can even increase satisfaction with work. One study authored by Adam Grant found letting employees choose their own title improved feelings of psychological safety and reduced emotional exhaustion by up to 10% in five weeks."

"Roles and titles also change over time, a mirror of the values and tensions that define a particular era. For example, a "designer" meant a very different thing in 1950 than it does today. Back then, the focus was on the design of objects and printed visuals, but very few would have imagined a design profession in the context of software. Similarly, the role of "software engineer" didn't surface until 1966 in an Association for Computing Machinery president's letter."

"In a world where anyone can design and develop a working app, why do titles even exist? It's a question we hear more and more often. And as our , 64% of product builders now identify with two or more roles. These professional identities aren't just about workflows and swim lanes; they help us understand each other and ourselves. Digital product development has changed so rapidly in the last two decades that it's no wonder job titles are more fluid than ever."

Titles convey status, imply expertise, and signal values, providing a shorthand to understand and relate to others. Letting employees choose their own titles can improve psychological safety and reduce emotional exhaustion, with one study reporting up to 10% reduction in five weeks. Roles and titles evolve over time, reflecting cultural values and technological change; "designer" in 1950 focused on objects and print, whereas "software engineer" only emerged in the 1960s. Rapid digital product development over the past two decades has increased title fluidity. Many product builders now identify with two or more roles, making professional identities more hybrid than fixed.

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