Why the future looks bright for UX product designers
Before we dive into the broader labor market trends, here’s a highlight worth celebrating: UX product designers are among the fastest-growing roles through 2030. As more companies undergo digital transformation across industries, user experience, product design, and digital interaction skills are becoming more valuable than ever.
After a wave of tech layoffs and tighter hiring across industries, the job market still feels tough. And it is. But this report highlights a long-term trend, not just the current state of things.
In other words, things may be rocky now, but UX design is still positioned to play a critical role in the future of work.
Overview of the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report
The World Economic Forum (WEF) publishes the widely referenced Future of Jobs Report, which forecasts how the global economy, employment trends, and skill demands will evolve by 2030. The report attempts to predict how much the global economy will change by 2030 and highlights key shifts in employment, skills, and industry demands.
Why the report matters for global workforce planning
It is released biennially to analyze labor market trends, emerging skills, and the impact of automation, AI, and digital transformation on employment. The report compiles insights from business leaders, policymakers, and economists to forecast the future of work and inform workforce planning. Governments, corporations, and educational institutions cite it to shape policies and training programs.
Criticism and controversies surrounding the report
However, the report has been criticized for its methodology and assumptions. Some argue that its reliance on employer surveys can lead to speculative projections rather than concrete labor market realities. Others point out that the focus on technological disruption sometimes overlooks socioeconomic factors, such as wage stagnation, labor rights, and the complexities of the gig economy. Despite these critiques, the Future of Jobs Report remains essential for understanding workforce trends.
Emerging skills and job roles to watch
As industries continue to evolve in response to technological advancements, the demand for design, user experience (UX), marketing, and media skills is set to rise. According to the Future of Jobs Report 2025, these skills are increasingly linked to digital transformation, reflecting the growing need for seamless digital experiences and deeper consumer insights. Companies recognize that in a digital-first world, user expectations are higher than ever, and competitive advantage often hinges on the quality of interactions with technology.
Technology as a catalyst for change
One primary driver of this shift is the increasing use of robots and autonomous systems in the workforce.
These technologies are revolutionizing industries by improving efficiency and reducing costs while introducing new complexities. As automation reshapes industries, the demand for programming, systems thinking, and the top three fastest-growing skills will continue to expand. Managing and optimizing interactions with autonomous technology requires a combination of technical expertise and adaptability—core competencies that will define the future workforce. The ability to think systematically about how different technologies interact and impact workflows is becoming a necessity rather than a niche skill.
The impact of AI and job displacement
As AI and automation advance, their influence on employment becomes increasingly significant. The report states that 41% of employers plan to replace workers with AI, underscoring the urgent need for workforce adaptation. Although 92 million jobs are expected to be displaced, the shift isn’t purely negative, as 170 million new jobs are projected to be created, particularly in fields that require human creativity, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
While automation threatens many routine jobs, demand is rising for roles that require human creativity, problem-solving, and user-centered thinking—areas where UX design excels.
So, how do you future-proof yourself? The answer lies in upskilling and adaptability.
Jess Eddy
Upskilling by 2030
- 41% of workers will not need upskilling by 2030.
- 29% will be upskilled in their current role.
- 19% will be upskilled and re-deployed.
- 11% will be unlikely to receive the necessary upskilling.
Why UX product designers remain essential
Among the roles poised for significant growth, UX product designers stand out as a profession that will benefit from these labor market shifts. The report highlights several factors driving this demand:
- Expanding need for UX skills – As companies invest in digital transformation, UX and design skills are becoming critical for creating intuitive and engaging digital products. Businesses understand that a poorly designed user experience leads to lost customers, reduced engagement, and ultimately, lower revenue.
- Broadening digital access – With 60% of businesses prioritizing digital expansion, the need for professionals to enhance user experiences is more pressing than ever. More people are accessing services online, and organizations that fail to provide seamless interactions risk falling behind their competitors.
- Recognition of UX as a core skill – Employers across industries, particularly in telecommunications, see UX as vital for future success. With the rise of mobile-first services and digital platforms, user experience is no longer just a differentiator but a business necessity.
- Industry-specific growth – Sectors like real estate are restructuring workforce strategies to accommodate digital trends, opening opportunities for UX designers to improve online platforms and digital interactions. As homebuyers and renters increasingly rely on virtual tours and online transactions, well-designed, user-friendly interfaces can drive customer satisfaction and business growth.
- Global demand for UX roles – In Germany, UI/UX designers are identified as a fast-growing profession through 2030, reinforcing the increasing significance of UX expertise worldwide. As more countries and industries digitize their services, the need for professionals to bridge the gap between technology and human behavior will continue to grow.
- UX demand across industries—While UX roles are explicitly mentioned in certain economy profiles, the Information and Technology Services sector highlights programming skills, suggesting an implicit demand for UX professionals to ensure usability in digital products. Additionally, the growing importance of technological literacy as a top skill directly affects UX designers, as they must understand and leverage emerging technologies to create innovative and user-friendly interfaces.
- Talent management and UX retention – The report identifies talent management as a growing skill, indicating that companies will focus more on attracting and retaining top professionals, including UX designers. This highlights the increasing value of UX expertise in the evolving job market.
- Global recognition of UX skills—The report notes that design and user experience skills are expected to be widely used across multiple countries. In Argentina, 81% of employers expect UX skills to grow in importance by 2030, followed by Australia (61%), Brazil (70%), China (67%), Denmark (73%), France (77%), and Sweden (82%), among others. This widespread recognition underscores a strong and growing global demand for UX professionals.
Skills for the future
Design, UX, and digital experience are becoming more important as the job market shifts. Alongside UX skills, the report highlights AI, big data, cybersecurity, creative thinking, and adaptability as essential for the future. These skills connect: AI needs intuitive design, and cybersecurity must be built into digital experiences.
Top fastest growing jobs
- Big data specialists
- FinTech engineers
- AI and machine learning specialists
- Software and applications developers
- Security management specialists
- Data warehousing specialists
- Autonomous and electric vehicle specialists
- UI and UX designers 🥳
- Light truck or delivery services drivers
- Internet of Things specialists
- Data analysts and scientists
- Environmental engineers
- Information security analysts
- DevOps engineers
- Renewable energy engineers
Top largest growing jobs
- Farmworkers, labourers, and other agricultural workers
- Light truck or delivery services drivers
- Software and applications developers
- Building framers, finishers, and related trades workers
- Shop salespersons
- Food processing and related trades workers
- Car, van, and motorcycle drivers
- Nursing professionals
- Food and beverage servers
- General and operations managers
- Social work and counselling professionals
- Project managers
- University and higher education teachers
- Secondary education teachers
- Personal care aides
Top fastest declining jobs
- Postal service clerks
- Bank tellers and related clerks
- Data entry clerks
- Cashiers and ticket clerks
- Administrative assistants and executive secretaries
- Printing and related trades workers
- Accounting, bookkeeping, and payroll clerks
- Material-recording and stock-keeping clerks
- Transportation attendants and conductors
- Door-to-door sales workers, news and street vendors, and related workers
- Graphic designers
- Claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators
- Legal officials
- Legal secretaries
- Telemarketers
Top 10 fastest growing skills
- AI and big data
- Networks and cybersecurity
- Technological literacy
- Creative thinking 🙌
- Resilience, flexibility, and agility
- Curiosity and lifelong learning 🙌
- Leadership and social influence
- Talent management
- Analytical thinking 🙌
- Environmental stewardship
The road ahead: thriving in a changing workforce
The Future of Jobs Report 2025 clearly shows that the job market is shifting rapidly, and those who adapt will thrive. With AI and automation transforming industries, the ability to design intuitive, human-centered digital experiences is more valuable than ever.
Continuous learning, adaptability, and creative problem-solving will be key to staying relevant for UX product designers and other digital professionals. Whether in telecom, real estate, or emerging tech, businesses need skilled professionals to bridge the gap between technology and human needs.
The future belongs to those who can evolve with it.
Whether that means upskilling in your current role, transitioning to a new industry, or deepening expertise in high-demand fields like UX, adaptability will be key. Invest in learning, stay ahead of trends, and build the skills that will keep you competitive in the future.
