Over the past few years, Designlab has grown and evolved in a lot of ways. Today, I wanted to share an update on what’s next.
After many years leading Designlab, Harish will be stepping back from the CEO role. He’ll continue to be involved, particularly around new programs and at the board and strategy level. I’ll be stepping in as CEO and working closely with Daniel Shapiro, our co-founder and CTO, to lead the company day-to-day. While we’re officially making this announcement now, this shift has been a gradual one over many months to ensure a smooth transition.
Designlab has always been shaped by a combination of people: the team, our mentors, and the broader community of 25,000+ designers who have learned with us and contributed along the way. That foundation remains unchanged.
At the same time, the world around us is changing at a breakneck pace.
A changing moment
Over the last few years, we’ve seen a lot of changes in how digital products are built, how teams work, and how people develop their skills.
AI is now part of everyday workflows. Expectations are evolving. It’s a moment that is full of both possibility and uncertainty. There’s excitement about new technology and capabilities, but also real questions about what to focus on and how to move forward.
What people need right now
One thing is certain: this moment isn’t just about learning new tools. Rather, it’s about building the ability to navigate change.
That includes:
- understanding how new technologies fit into real work
- strengthening core skills like business thinking, communication, and judgment
- and developing the confidence and resilience to adapt as things continue to evolve
The goal is not just to keep up, but to feel a sense of control and agency in a fast-changing environment.
It’s easier said than done, but that’s the role we hope Designlab can play.
Where we’re going
As I step into this role, we’re continuing to evolve what Designlab offers to meet the moment.
A few areas we’re especially focused on:
Helping people work effectively with AI
In a practical way. Not just understanding the tools, but using them to improve real work and outcomes.
Doubling down on the skills that matter more over time
As technologies become more capable, the differentiators shift. Judgment, communication, and the ability to understand how our work ties into broader organizational strategies become more important.
Working more closely with teams and organizations
We’re increasingly partnering with teams who are navigating these same changes, bringing training and support directly into their environments.
Continuing to invest in mentorship and community
This has always been central to Designlab. Learning alongside experienced practitioners and peers remains one of the most effective ways to grow.
Evolving our core programs, including UX Academy
The path into design is changing, but it hasn’t disappeared. What people need to learn, and how they prepare for roles, is evolving. We’re continuing to adapt our programs to reflect that reality.
Looking ahead
I’ve been at Designlab for just under three years and have spent much of my career working with startups and in design and creative education. I’ve had a front-row seat to how the company and the broader landscape have shifted during that time.
This is a moment of real change, but also real opportunity.
We’re excited about where Designlab can go from here and the role we can play in helping people navigate what comes next.
Cam
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