From Shopify to OpenAI, AI-first companies are shaping the modern era, and designers are increasingly integrating AI tools into their workflows. Over the past three years, Fast Company has observed a shift among designers from fearing AI to embracing it. However, our analysis of 176,000 design job listings for the upcoming “Where the Design Jobs Are” report (releasing June 16) revealed a surprising trend: only 0.4% of listings specifically required experience with AI tools like ChatGPT, Dall-E, Midjourney, or Runway, and just 8% mentioned AI at all, often in vague, marketing-driven terms like “AI-powered.”
To understand this disconnect, we reached out to major companies across industries. Their responses, while varied, shared a common theme: AI proficiency is valued but not explicitly required in job postings.
Why AI Isn’t Explicitly Required
Figma, for instance, explained that while they don’t list specific AI tools in job descriptions, they prioritize candidates who are curious and experiment with tools to enhance their work. “We tend to hire people who are exploring new tools that improve their work,” a Figma spokesperson said, noting that showcasing creative AI use in side projects or core work is a plus.
Meta’s VP of product design, Joshua To, echoed this sentiment: “Our designers use internal and external AI tools, but the best designers naturally adopt these technologies, so we don’t need to highlight them in job listings.”
Companies like Figma, Mattel, and Visa cited the lack of industry standards for AI tools as a reason for not specifying them in job postings. Figma noted that they only mention tools like SQL or Python for roles requiring them, as “knowing how to use AI” is too vague. Mattel emphasized a focus on problem-solving and adaptability over specific tool proficiency, expecting designers to be fluent in an “evolving toolkit” that includes AI. Visa’s SVP of global design, Robb Nielsen, added, “We’re not looking for a certificate. We want candidates who experiment with tools like GPT or Midjourney, showing adaptability, curiosity, and a growth mindset.”
SharkNinja offered a different perspective, cautioning that emphasizing AI fluency could overshadow core design skills. “We use AI for mood boards and imagery, but not for designing products,” a spokesperson said. “We assume most designers have some AI experience, but we prioritize strong foundational design skills to avoid over-reliance on AI.”
A Preference for AI Experimentation
Even companies that don’t list AI as a requirement often expect designers to be comfortable with it. Dropbox, one of the few explicitly requiring AI experience, focuses on a candidate’s ability to integrate generative design tools and LLMs thoughtfully while maintaining autonomy and design quality. However, they avoid being overly specific about tools due to the rapid evolution of AI technologies, prioritizing flexibility and creative problem-solving.
Key Takeaways for Designers
The consensus is clear: AI experimentation is increasingly vital in design, but the lack of standardized practices means companies rarely list it as a formal requirement. Instead, they seek candidates who demonstrate curiosity and adaptability with AI tools. For designers, this means AI proficiency is often an unspoken expectation. Including AI-driven work in portfolios—whether prototypes created with LLMs or concepts iterated with tools like Midjourney—can set candidates apart, even if the job listing doesn’t explicitly ask for it.
In short, while mastering a specific AI tool isn’t necessary, a willingness to embrace and explore AI is becoming essential to stand out in the design job market.