AI is no longer a future consideration for design and research teams — it’s already embedded in day-to-day work. In a recent survey of design professionals, 100% of respondents reported using AI in their workflows today, most commonly for finding and fixing accessibility issues with designs, making sure designs comply with the design system, reducing repetitive tasks like resizing images, and idea/concept generation. In these areas, AI has proven to boost efficiency and effectiveness.  

But when we talk with design and research leaders, a different picture emerges. Many describe this moment as “building the plane while flying it.” Tools and expectations are evolving quickly, making the long-term implications for the design and research profession increasingly unclear.  

If you’re leading a design or research function and navigating the impacts of AI on the way you work — we want to talk to you! Our goal is to uncover current examples of how leaders are navigating this transition and innovating in this time of rapid change.    

The Questions We’re Exploring   

We see a near future where AI agents don’t just augment research and design workflows, but help orchestrate and execute — with professional designers and researchers firmly in the driver’s seat. We’re not there yet, but it’s important to plan for this future.  Our upcoming research will deliver practical frameworks, case studies, and decision tools to help design and researchers move forward with clarity and confidence. We’re exploring questions such as:  

  • What are the best use cases for using AI across the design workflow?  From discovering and defining solutions, to creating and evaluating solutions, to building and launching products, what use cases are already delivering impact?  Where should teams be experimenting? Where do the risks posed by AI outweigh the rewards?  
  • How will AI reshape roles and skills?  What changes can we expect in job descriptions, team composition, and career paths within design and research organizations?  
  • How will priorities shift for design and research leaders?  As AI helps automate specific tasks, how will that time be redirected to add greater value to the organization?   
  • How should design systems evolve to support AI-powered experiences?  What new patterns, principles, and governance models will emerge?   
  • How should teams evaluate rapidly emerging AI features from vendors?  Which capabilities are providing their value today, which remain experimental, and how can organizations adopt AI tools in a responsible and ethical way?  

Participate In Our Research!  

These are extraordinary and formative times for design and research teams. We want to learn directly from leaders and practitioners navigating this shift.  

  • How are you using, or considering using, AI today?  
  • What’s working well, and what’s not?  
  • What trade-offs and risks are you encountering on your journey?  

If you’re interested in participating in a research interview, please reach out to Georgiana Swan at gswan@forrester.com. In return for your time, we’ll share our research findings as a thank you for your contribution.   

And if you’re a Forrester client and want to hear our latest perspective and recommendations on this topic, you can set up a conversation with us.