When Will AI Replace Designers commerciaux et industriels ?

The impact of AI on Commercial and Industrial Designers will unfold in stages. By 2028, approximately 50% of their tasks are projected to be automated. This evolution is driven by AI-powered tools that are rapidly advancing the design process.

The early wave of disruption, starting as soon as 2026, will heavily affect junior designers. With AI tools becoming standard in 70-80% of design studios, routine visualization tasks like sketch generation, 3D model refinement, and rendering will be severely impacted, potentially leading to displacement.

As we move towards the mid-to-late stages of this transformation, the focus will shift. While AI handles more technical aspects, experienced designers will find their roles evolving, with an increased emphasis on strategic and client-facing responsibilities.

Junior designers with 0-3 years of experience are most at risk. Their primary responsibilities, such as generating sketches, refining 3D models, rendering, and preparing presentations, are precisely the tasks AI tools excel at automating. This early stage of their career makes them vulnerable to displacement as studios adopt AI.

Experienced designers who possess strong client relationship management skills, a deep understanding of manufacturing constraints, the ability to solve complex ergonomic and usability problems, and proficiency in integrating market research into design decisions are likely to be safer. These higher-level strategic and interpersonal skills are currently beyond AI's capabilities.

To navigate the AI-driven changes, Commercial and Industrial Designers must adapt. Focus on developing skills that complement AI, rather than compete with it. This includes mastering client communication, understanding complex manufacturing processes, and excelling in problem-solving for ergonomics and usability.

Embrace AI design tools like Midjourney, DALL-E 3, Adobe Firefly, and specialized CAD automation platforms. Learn to leverage them for efficiency, allowing you to focus on higher-value tasks. Integrating market research and strategic thinking into your design process will be crucial for long-term viability.