A crisis of meaning in UX Design

Many UX designers currently feel their work lacks meaning, a sentiment echoed across the industry. This dissatisfaction stems from burnout, unfulfilling projects, and a sense of merely pushing pixels instead of engaging in stimulating work. Career options feel limited, with large corporations prioritizing shareholder value over meaningful impact and startups offering unstable, potentially toxic environments. Even non-profit work can be disillusioning due to limitations imposed by major donors. The tech industry's recent layoffs and the growing threat of AI-driven automation further exacerbate anxieties. This widespread malaise is impacting designers' job satisfaction and the value placed on their skills. The "late-stage UX" era, characterized by market saturation and a focus on financial growth, has diminished design's influence. This shift reflects a change from a focus on innovation to optimization for profit, often at the expense of product quality. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this trend, forcing designers into a faster, less thoughtful work style. The result is a deeply unstimulating work environment for many designers, leaving them questioning their career paths and the future of their profession.