The Merholz Agenda
Peter Merholz's semi-weekly newsletter on organization design, design leadership, and bringing humanism into the places we work.
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[TMA] UX/Design Leaders Are Failing the Next Generations
By Peter Merholz · · View online →
I am a beneficiary of career practices (particularly within the field of UX/Design) that provided junior folks opportunities to work. I started as an intern at a multimedia CD-ROM company. Then I worked at a design firm that actively encouraged my professional growth as I shifted from early web development into interaction design.
Later in my career, when I was in a position of authority, I helped institute internship programs, and eagerly sought young talent emerging from schools. I fought for professional development budgets so team members could grow their skills through courses, and meet their peers at conferences.
Last week, I was the guest of a UX course at UC Berkeley's iSchool, taking part in an extensive Q&A. Through the discussion, I realized how the current generation of UX/Design leaders have abandoned their obligation to the next generation of UX professionals.
Figma's "The demand for design hiring in 2026" report
Coincidentally, last week was when Figma dropped their "The demand for design hiring in 2026" report. Within it is the tragic finding that UX/Design