THE CREATIVE SHIFT: HOW I'M ADAPTING AS A DESIGNER

As designers, creativity has always been what drives us. But with AI and automation making waves, the design landscape is changing fast. Rather than pushing back against this development, I think it’s wise to stay ahead of the game and learn to capitalize on AI in my everyday work. But it’s not just about AI—embracing business and rethinking how we see myself is just as important. This shift requires balancing creativity with a strong understanding of the business side, and here’s how I as a designer can start adapting to this new reality. I've come up with these 5 steps to get me started.

#1 Be my own advocate

For years, I’ve focused on mastering my craft, refining the details and pushing creativity. But I’ve come to realize that in today’s world, that’s only part of the story. To stay relevant, I need to actively communicate how my design choices can contribute to business success. It’s up to me to show how design drives outcomes—not just aesthetically, but strategically. This mindset shift has been essential for embracing my role in making my work resonate with business goals.

#2 Shift from quality to measurable outcomes

Design has never been just about making things look good, and today, it’s even more about strategy and delivering measurable results. Whether it’s increasing sales, improving user engagement, or optimizing workflows, design needs to solve real problems. Aesthetics still matter, but the focus has shifted to how well our work aligns with business goals.

As AI handles more routine visual tasks, we need to lean into strategic thinking. It’s not just about looking good anymore—it’s about showing how design makes a tangible difference to the bottom line. That means measuring success through outcomes like higher conversions, reduced friction, or improved customer loyalty. The future of design is all about delivering impact that’s aligned with business goals, solving complex challenges, and proving value through results.

#3 Boost mu business smarts

Whether I’m working alone or within a team, it’s becoming increasingly clear how important it is to grasp the business side of design. I don’t need to be a financial expert, but having an understanding of things like revenue, costs, and business metrics helps connect my design work to real business outcomes. Designers, myself included, need to focus on learning how our work impacts the bottom line. This isn’t just about staying effective creatively—it’s about boosting credibility and ensuring the value of design is understood at every level.

#4 Create a shared understanding

Designers who get the business side of things create more opportunities and improve outcomes across the board. I’ve spent my career mastering visualization, so now it’s time to apply that to mapping out business ecosystems. Most teams are stuck only seeing a small piece of the puzzle, and that’s where design can step in. By mapping out the entire system—how the players interact, where value is exchanged—we can align everyone and help them make better decisions. Business is just another design problem, and it’s time we solve it with the skills we already have.

#5 Create a roadmap for results

As I’ve embraced a business-focused mindset, I’ve realized that career growth is about shifting from focusing on craft alone to solving bigger, business-driven challenges. It’s not just about designing products; it’s about designing solutions that impact organizations and industries. To make a bigger impact, I’ve started evolving my skill set and thinking beyond the “how” of design to the “why” of business. Embracing the business side allows me to create more meaningful change, driving results that matter on a larger scale.

As I go through this creative shift, I’m pretty stoked about what embracing a business mindset can do. Balancing creativity with a business mindset takes effort and intention, but it's definitely achievable. Embracing this shift in identity is crucial for our success in the design field, especially in today’s rapidly changing landscape.