Design isn’t just a function—it’s becoming the heartbeat of organizations and product strategies.
In this video, Abhijit Thosar, Product Strategy and Design Leader at VMWare, shares his bullish view on the evolution of design in the next five years. With design’s role expanding beyond just user experience and interface to influencing company strategy and sustainability, Abhijit believes the future of design will be pivotal to solving humanity’s most pressing challenges.
Learn how designers can prepare for this transformation and why it’s essential to view design as a core competency alongside communication, collaboration, and critical thinking.
In this video, you’ll discover:
• The expanding influence of design within organizations
• Why design leaders must seize opportunities beyond the traditional design scope
• How design will play a key role in sustainability and inclusive design
• The future of design education and its integration into the broader problem-solving framework
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Timestamps:
00:09 – Design’s growing influence in organizations
00:29 – Design thinking and its broader applications
00:52 – Preparing for leadership opportunities in design
01:10 – Design’s role in sustainability and responsible practices
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0:09
Interviewer:
“How, in your opinion, will the design landscape change in the next five years? What are your insights, and how can designers prepare?”
Interviewee:
“Sure! I’m very optimistic about the future of design. It’s not just me being an optimist; it’s based on how I’ve seen design evolve over the last 20 years. I think the role of design has really amplified, both in organizations and within society. Everyone is talking about design—using it to creatively solve problems, enhance collaboration, and foster critical thinking.”
0:38
“I’m very bullish about the next 5, 10, or even 20 years of design. I really hope that the education system starts including design as one of the core competencies, alongside communication, collaboration, and critical thinking. Design is central to problem-solving. It’s not just about building UX/UI, digital, or physical products. It’s about solving life challenges we face as humans.”
1:17
“I believe design will continue to grow in its influence, shaping company strategies and organizational goals. It’s also uniquely positioned to be a strong voice for sustainability, inclusive design, and responsible design. As designers, we bring a holistic, systems-level approach to the way we build products. It’s critical to bring a sensitivity to designing products and services.”
1:48
“My only concern is whether design leaders are ready to take on these opportunities when they arise. It’s important for design leaders to be in a position where they can influence these areas. The scope of what we design will continue to open up, and it’s up to us to grab those opportunities. We must project ourselves not just as design leaders but as leaders in general. You can lead much broader teams—not just design teams—by taking on a more diverse role.”
2:51
Interviewer:
“That’s amazing, especially considering how Design Thinking can be applied to bigger problems and finding alternative solutions. It’s so fascinating, and it starts with empathy, which is the key.”
