Most Innovative Companies Is design dead?
Apr 24, 2025
Mark Wilson, Global Design Editor at Fast Company, shares thought-provoking insights on the current challenges in the design industry, asking whether design is dead in an era obsessed with immediate results. Ryan Weaver, cofounder of Overdrive, dives into innovative marketing strategies aimed at destigmatizing drug testing. They discuss the brand’s mission to promote safety and normalize conversations around substance use, while also touching on the evolving landscape of design and its significance in entrepreneurship.
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Design's rise and decline
- Design rose to prominence during the past decade but has recently lost influence in corporations.
- The rise of AI and marketing maturity shifted focus away from design as a key business driver.
Design demoted in companies
- Many companies have demoted design leadership away from executive levels.
- This reduces the voice of problem solvers and prioritizes short-term financial gains.
Design struggles proving ROI
- Designers often struggle to prove design's financial impact compared to CMOs.
- This limits design’s ability to secure investment and executive support.