Designers are doing more. But should they do everything?

Over the past few years, I've found myself moving beyond what would traditionally be considered a designer's responsibilities.

Working with code, understanding product decisions and, more recently, using AI to develop things I would previously have needed technical support for, alongside my core work in brand strategy, identity and web design.

Not because I've set out to become an expert in every discipline, but because moving between them helps me connect ideas, understand constraints and make better decisions.

And apparently, I'm far from alone.

According to Designer Fund's AI in Design 2026 report, 65% of designers say they're taking on more product or engineering responsibilities.

AI is removing some of the technical barriers that once separated disciplines. Ideas can move from concept to something tangible faster, and designers can test their thinking rather than simply communicate it to someone else.

But there's a distinction between expanding our capabilities and becoming entirely self-sufficient.

Being able to build something doesn't mean we understand everything involved in building it well. Engineering, product, strategy and design each bring their own depth of expertise, and access to better tools doesn't make that expertise any less valuable.

If anything, I see the opportunity in becoming better collaborators. Understanding enough about adjacent disciplines to ask better questions, challenge assumptions, recognise limitations and involve the right people at the right time.

I don't think the advantage will belong to designers who can do everything.

It will belong to those who can connect more things, understand what they don't know and use their expanding capabilities to make smarter decisions.