Design and development are beginning to merge. With AI coding assistants and no-code/low-code platforms becoming more mainstream, designers can now create and build like never before—even without a deep technical background. This shift opens up exciting opportunities as design becomes a key differentiator in an increasingly competitive market. It's also changing how we view what designers can do, how they collaborate with developers, and the new skills they can acquire to stay relevant and thrive.
This article will examine how these new tools level the playing field between design and development, help designers bring their ideas to life faster and create new career paths for those who want to leverage the tools to evolve. There’s much to be excited about!
Table of contents
- Design is the competitive edge
- Should designers code? Yes, but with a twist.
- The path to new and evolving design careers
Design is the competitive edge
The emergence of AI coding assistants and low-code/no-code platforms, such as Framer, are significantly transforming the landscape for designers. More people, even those without formal technical backgrounds, now have the power to build software. As coding becomes more accessible, the playing field between design and development is leveling. But this shift puts the spotlight squarely on design, making it a key competitive advantage.
As software creation becomes easier and more accessible, the market is flooded with new products and tools. With this abundance of options, companies can no longer rely on functionality alone to stand out—exceptional design has become the key differentiator. Smart companies have recognized this for some time. It’s not enough for a product to simply work; it must deliver a great user experience. Well-designed products drive customer loyalty, engagement, and long-term success.
As coding barriers lower, the demand for specialized UX and product design skills will only grow. Companies will rely on designers to create products that function seamlessly and connect with users on an emotional level. This combination of usability, thoughtful design, and strong branding will separate the winners from the rest in today’s crowded market.
Companies prioritizing design and user experience from the start are more likely to succeed. Products that make life easier for users, look great, and build strong connections will thrive in an era where it’s easier than ever to create software—but harder than ever to create something truly special.
Should designers code?
Yes, but with a twist.
The question of whether designers should code has been debated for years. Some argue that designers should stick to their craft, while others believe understanding code is key to effective collaboration and execution. This debate often misses the point—design and development are so interconnected that it’s not about choosing one or both. In reality, designers don’t need to be full-fledged coders, but basic code literacy can go a long way in helping them do better design work.
That said, with the advancement of AI coding assistants, this debate has become outdated. Thanks to these tools, designers—and anyone, really—can now build simple apps and prototypes without needing to master coding. Designers are in a prime position to take advantage of these technologies, but the shift isn’t about becoming developers. Knowing how to use these tools effectively to support the design process is important.
The no-code and low-code movement has made it easier for designers to step into the world of building, this still requires a certain level of code literacy. Designers may not need to learn to code from scratch, but understanding the basics helps them navigate these tools and use them to enhance their work and work with the tools. The real benefit isn’t just about building apps—it’s about enhancing communication and bringing ideas to life more seamlessly.
There’s a big difference between a static prototype in Figma and a coded prototype that feels real, where the line between mockup and functionality blurs.
AI coding tools let designers create these immersive, “smoke-and-mirrors” experiences, surprising and delighting their audience. This ability to prototype more realistically makes the design process more impactful and improves the final product. Why? Because using something firsthand—rather than just imagining it—leads to better design decisions.
These tools also shape how designers and developers collaborate. While designers can now build independently, the need for clear communication and teamwork hasn’t disappeared. Designers and developers must collaborate on projects to do high-quality work. The challenge is learning to integrate these AI tools into team workflows to enhance collaboration.
Finally, as AI coding assistants become more common, design education will need to evolve, too. Instead of focusing so much on teaching designers to code, programs should shift toward teaching them how to work with AI and no-code tools. Basic code literacy will remain important, but the real value will come from leveraging these technologies to prototype, iterate, and innovate faster. This way, designers can focus on what they do best—creative problem-solving—while staying on the cutting edge of tech.
My recommendation
Use ChatGPT and/or Claude (or both) to create apps or prototypes using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. I recommend this tech stack because it’s the simplest, most flexible, and allows you to run your app locally on your computer. While Claude often leans toward React, be sure to specify HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for a more straightforward approach. JavaScript is incredibly versatile—you can replicate nearly any functionality found in frameworks like Ruby, PHP, or Python. Even better, JavaScript lets you create “smoke and mirrors” prototypes, allowing you to simulate features without fully building them—perfect for illustrating and testing ideas.
Before diving in
Put on your product manager hat and write a simple spec that outlines what you’re building and why—providing context to the AI coding assistant tools. You can even brainstorm or refine your approach with them.
When you start building
Work in small, manageable chunks instead of tackling everything at once. Build one feature at a time to avoid overwhelming the AI coding assistant and work more smoothly.
The path to new and evolving design careers
If you’re a designer considering a more technical career path, now is the perfect time to explore it. With today’s tools, transitioning into roles like design engineering or creative technologist is more achievable than ever. These roles allow you to build on your design skills while adding enough technical know-how to create more immersive and innovative experiences. It’s an exciting opportunity to expand your skillset and try something new.
Design engineers focus on turning design concepts into fully functional products through front-end development, ensuring that designs are visually polished and technically optimized. Creative technologists, on the other hand, push boundaries by blending art, design, and technology to create innovative, often experimental, experiences. Whether you’re drawn to development or want to explore the creative possibilities of technology, these career paths are opening up new avenues for designers ready to dive in.
This shift in roles couldn’t have come at a better time. As the tech industry adapts to a slowing economy—and widespread layoffs—many designers are reconsidering how to adapt and future-proof their careers. AI coding assistants can play a big role in this transformation. They’re opening up new opportunities for designers and reshaping traditional design roles in the process.
We’re entering a new era for designers, where the lines between design and development are becoming increasingly blurred, and the tools at our disposal are more powerful than ever. AI coding assistants and no-code platforms are unlocking new possibilities, allowing designers to experiment, deeply prototype, and even step into more technical roles. Whether you’re looking to explore technical paths like design engineering, dive into creative technology, or simply elevate your current skills, there’s never been a more exciting time to be a designer.
Yet, while these tools are reshaping the landscape, they aren’t replacing the core of what makes great design—creativity, problem-solving, and human-centered thinking. By embracing these new tools, you’re future-proofing your career and growing as a designer. So, whether you’re ready to expand your horizons or a company seeking to innovate, now’s the perfect time to embrace these tools and unlock the full potential of what’s emerging.
