AI-Driven Role Convergence Accelerating
Traditional job boundaries between designers, engineers, and researchers are rapidly dissolving as artificial intelligence tools make specialized knowledge more accessible, according to reports from Figma CEO Dylan Field. In a recent podcast appearance, Field stated that he has observed a “shifting and merging of roles” over the past five years and expects this trend to accelerate significantly in the coming half-decade.
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Research Reveals Widespread Role Expansion
Figma conducted extensive research on this workplace transformation, with results showing 72% of respondents identified AI tools as a primary driver behind role expansion. Sources indicate that Dylan Field, who scaled Figma from startup to public company with over 1,600 employees, found these changes particularly evident within his own organization. “Part of that is that AI makes everyone feel the need to be more of a generalist,” Field commented during his appearance on Lenny’s Podcast.
Non-Designers Embracing Design Tasks
The research demonstrates concrete evidence of this shift, with 56% of non-designers now reporting they engage “a great deal” in design tasks compared to just 44% a year earlier. Analysts suggest this represents a significant acceleration in cross-functional work, mirroring trends seen across the technology sector. Similar workforce transformations have been reported at other major tech companies, including Meta’s recent workforce restructuring and TSMC’s evolving engineering requirements.
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Technical Barriers Lowering
According to the analysis, AI is effectively pushing employees beyond their traditional career boundaries by lowering technical barriers. Tasks that once required complex coding knowledge can now be accomplished with simplified tools, enabling non-engineers to take on more technical responsibilities. The report states that many employers are consequently focusing on “upskilling” initiatives to prepare their workforce for these expanded roles, a trend also visible in gaming hardware development where cross-disciplinary knowledge has become increasingly valuable.
Specialization and Generalization Coexisting
Despite the move toward broader skill sets, 53% of Figma’s survey respondents maintained that deep knowledge remains essential for performing tasks well, even with AI assistance. Field described this finding as particularly interesting, noting it demonstrates an “impulse towards more generalist abilities” without completely abandoning specialization. When asked for his ultimate conclusion about this workplace evolution, Field summarized: “We’re all product builders, and some of us are specialized in our particular area.”
Industry-Wide Implications
Sources indicate that this blending of roles represents a fundamental shift in how technology companies structure their teams and define positions. The transformation appears to be driven by both technological advancement and changing workplace expectations, with AI serving as the primary catalyst. As tools continue to evolve and become more accessible, analysts suggest this trend toward the “product builder” model will likely become more pronounced across the technology sector and beyond.
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