Being a senior designer doesn’t make you safe anymore

Being a senior designer does not guarantee safety anymore. Recent conversations reveal that experience may be becoming a disadvantage in the design industry, particularly in hiring and firing. A surprising statistic indicates that less than 5% of designers are aged between 20 and 25, highlighting the desperation within the industry.

This situation raises concerns about the future of experienced designers, who may now face unique challenges. For decades, experience has been an advantage, providing valuable rewards such as higher salaries and prominent positions. However, the availability of knowledge and processes has increased, making it easier for anyone to produce satisfactory work.

This change raises questions about whether experience alone is sufficient to maintain one's value. Experienced designers, who have invested years into their craft, may feel the pressure as they struggle to adapt to an evolving industry. Two psychological factors contribute to this issue: the sunk cost fallacy and status quo bias.

Sunk cost fallacy refers to the tendency to continue investing in something due to the time and resources already spent, even if better alternatives exist. This can manifest in designers' reluctance to adopt new software or methods, despite their potential advantages. Status quo bias is the natural preference for familiar practices, as they appear safer and less risky than untested alternatives.

The combination of these two factors creates a dangerous combination for experienced designers operating in a rapidly changing industry.