Why Designers Struggle in This Economy and What to Do About It

#DesignCareers #Macroeconomics #HatchConference2025 The design industry is shifting: but do you know why? At Hatch, Ryan Scott took the stage to unpack the macroeconomic forces shaping the future of design careers. Moving beyond surface-level headlines, Ryan connects global economic shifts with the real challenges that designers face today, from hiring freezes to changing team structures and shifting expectations around value. This keynote dives into the hidden drivers behind industry change, including: Post-pandemic inflation and its impact on design budgets The end of zero-interest money and what it means for startups and design investment Global trade tensions and their effect on product strategy The link between high-level economics and day-to-day design career choices How designers can build resilience and strategy in uncertain times By revealing the invisible forces at play, Ryan equips designers to see the full chessboard, anticipate industry trends, and make smarter moves in their careers. Whether you’re a UX professional, design leader, or product strategist, this talk offers a rare perspective that blends economics with design practice: helping you understand not only what’s happening, but why. --------- 👉 Subscribe to the Hatch Conference channel for more talks on design leadership, UX strategy, and the future of work in design.