IDC Study Says the Global Workforce Engaged in Software Design Is Expanding | Figma Blog (opens in new tab)

IDC forecasts that the global workforce involved in software design and development will grow by more than 30%, reaching 144 million people by 2029. This expansion reflects the growing role of design as a competitive differentiator and the increasing demand for design talent. Generative AI is expected to accelerate product development while raising expectations for usability and visual quality.

Workforce Growth in Software Design

• The population of knowledge workers and developers designing digital products and interfaces is projected to grow from 107 million in 2025 to 144 million in 2029.
• The research covers multiple industries, company sizes, and roles involved in software design and product development.
• IDC based its model on quantitative research involving more than 1,000 IT and business leaders.

UX Design Leads Growth

• UX professionals are expected to grow at a 7.6% compound annual growth rate between 2025 and 2029.
• This growth is expected to outpace other knowledge-worker categories.
• IDC links the trend to rising demand for design-intensive digital products and solutions.

Generative AI Raises the Bar

• Generative AI will increase the speed and volume of software development.
• Faster development may give users more product choices and enable better-designed digital experiences.
• Designers and developers will face greater pressure to make AI-powered features highly usable, appealing, and intuitive.

Overall, the study suggests that companies should treat design as a strategic capability and invest in UX talent as software development becomes faster and more AI-driven.