Hi Reader 👋,

This week's newsletter is going to be long - I have a lot on my mind as it relates to the recent release of State of UX for 2025.

Have you noticed the growing whispers about AI making UX designers obsolete? It seems every other LinkedIn post predicts the end of our profession. But here's what's fascinating: as technology accelerates, the need for thoughtful, human-centered design is actually becoming more critical, not less.

This week, I'm diving into why UX design isn't just surviving in the age of AI—it's becoming more relevant than ever. We'll explore how our role is evolving and why the core skills that make us valuable can't be replicated by algorithms.

(This week is a deeper dive than usual, but I promise it's worth your time. I've broken it down into digestible sections so you can easily come back to it if needed.)

UX Design Is More Relevant Than Ever

“UX is dying.”
“AI is taking over.”
“Our jobs are becoming obsolete.”

These fears used to seem distant. Now, they’re everywhere—especially with AI churning out mockups and no-code tools doing things we never imagined. But here’s the truth: these changes aren’t sidelining UX. They’re making what we do even more important.

Building Connections That Matter

When I studied library science, I learned something crucial: it wasn’t about the books—it was about connecting people to knowledge. Librarians didn’t vanish with the rise of the internet; they adapted and focused on their true purpose.

UX designers are doing the same. The best among us know how to:

Bridge the gap between business goals and real user needs.
Turn complicated systems into something people actually enjoy using.
Step back, see the big picture, and design solutions that grow over time.

At the heart of it all, our value lies in understanding people and helping organizations serve them better. Success isn’t about flashy designs—it’s about creating meaningful impact.

Solving Human Problems

Technology may move fast, but people don’t change overnight. The challenges we face—like finding what we need or simplifying complex processes—are the same as they’ve always been.

Sure, AI can produce beautiful interfaces. Automation takes care of the repetitive stuff. And yet:

Online carts still get abandoned mid-checkout.
Expensive software goes unused.
Work tools still frustrate their users.

These aren’t tech problems—they’re human ones. They require observation, empathy, and the ability to truly listen. AI can help us analyze data and spot patterns, but it can’t replace the intuition and understanding that come from connecting with people.

Different Roles, Shared Goals

The challenges we face touch every corner of UX, and while technology is changing the way we work, it’s also highlighting what makes each role so vital.

For example:

Researchers bring context and depth that AI can’t replicate.
Designers turn ideas into solutions that feel natural and joyful to use.
Accessibility experts ensure that what we create serves everyone, including those AI tools often overlook.

The future of UX isn’t about any single role. It’s about collaboration—working together to solve problems and create better experiences for everyone.

Where We Go From Here

As technology evolves, so does our field. Our job isn’t to fight change—it’s to shape it. Here’s how we can move forward:

1. Think Bigger

UX isn’t just about screens anymore. We’re designing systems, relationships, and entire ecosystems. By thinking long-term, we can create solutions that truly last.

2. Keep Growing

Yes, automation is taking over some tasks. That means we have more room to grow as experts. Skills like business strategy, systems thinking, and ethical design are more valuable than ever.

3. Lead the Way

We don’t just react to change—we guide it. That means asking tough questions, challenging assumptions, and always advocating for what’s right for users.

Why Humans Still Matter

Some worry that automation will make us irrelevant. But design is about so much more than just creating layouts.

Creativity: AI follows patterns; we break them.
Ethics: Machines don’t have morals. We ensure fairness and inclusivity.
Empathy: AI can’t step into someone’s shoes. We tell stories, connect emotionally, and bring humanity to technology.

By focusing on what makes us uniquely human, we can solve the kinds of problems that machines can’t touch.

Embracing Change

Change isn’t always easy. Upskilling can feel overwhelming, and the ethical questions we face can be tough to answer. But these challenges are where growth happens.

If we stay grounded in empathy and curiosity, we can navigate these shifts and keep building a better future—one thoughtful solution at a time.

Looking Ahead

UX isn’t dying. It’s evolving. Just like architects still shape spaces and librarians still guide knowledge, we’ll keep making technology work for people.

The tools may change, but the core of our work—understanding people and solving their problems—remains timeless.

For designers ready to embrace what’s next, the possibilities are endless. Let’s get to work.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this. How are you feeling about the future of UX? What challenges and opportunities do you see ahead? Did you like this more of a "deep dive" format?

Hit reply and let me know.

Until next week,

Kristi 🌱

P.S. If you found this valuable, consider sharing it with a fellow designer who might be wrestling with similar questions about the future of our field.