Design in Tech Report 2016

Download Design in Tech Report

Last year, John Maeda published his inaugural #DesignInTech report to reveal the impact Design has made in Silicon Valley. Now, in his second annual report, Maeda doubles down by delving deep into design trends revolutionizing the entrepreneurial and corporate ecosystems. Drawing on extensive research and his own conversations with hundreds of designers, Maeda examines the intersection of design, business, and technology. The report covers themes ranging from the record amounts of funding flowing into design-led startups to M&A activity with major services corporations. Beyond designers and technologists, the report will appeal to a broad audience. For all of us who use a computer or mobile device, great design is changing how we live and work. This report helps explain why.

Below is a summary of the report:

• Design isn’t just about beauty; it’s about market relevance and meaningful results.
• M&A activity continues in the design space, and it’s increased.
• Increasing the designers needed in the tech industry requires rethinking education.
• The adoption of design by public companies is only growing.
• Designers bring needed critical thinking/making in the economic case for inclusion.
• Work in the research labs from decades ago drives today’s startups. Be aware.