Stop Looking for the Next Jony Ive

Companies are increasingly hiring experienced designers who can immediately work with AI, while slowing junior hiring, a trend that could reduce opportunities for future experts. A designer told the author that AI is making it harder for juniors to get their first role, risking the loss of tomorrow's innovators like Jony Ive.

Stop Looking for the Next Jony Ive Every legendary designer was once a junior that someone took a chance on. Jony Ive became Jony Ive because Apple invested in his talent over many years—not because he started as a legend. Today we’re moving in the opposite direction. Companies increasingly want experienced people who can immediately ship with AI, while junior hiring slows down. I recently spoke with a designer who said it’s becoming harder for junior designers to get their first role. Part of the reason, she believes, is AI. If that trend continues, we’ll create a strange problem: AI may make today’s experts more productive, but it may also reduce the opportunities that produce tomorrow’s experts. Innovation doesn’t come only from established names. It also comes from people who haven’t yet had their chance. Every future Jony Ive starts as an unknown designer.