Alexander Vandebeek, UX Lead at CBTW Belgium, reflects on a transformative year for the creative and product design industry. In this article, Alexander shares his thoughts on how economic pressures, evolving client needs, and the increasing demand for versatile design talent have reshaped the way we work and innovate. While the challenges of 2024 were undeniable, they also brought invaluable lessons – and opportunities for growth and reinvention.
As 2024 comes to a close, it’s clear that this year was a pivotal one for the creative industry. Economic pressures, evolving client demands, and a fiercely competitive job market have shaped the way we work, collaborate, and innovate. While the challenges were undeniable, so too were the lessons—and the opportunities.
The Reality of a Shifting Market
This year, we’ve witnessed widespread market adjustments that have forced businesses and individuals alike to adapt quickly. Companies, facing economic uncertainty, have been cautious about spending. Budgets have been cut, external talent has been scaled back, and even internal teams have had to make do with less.
For freelancers and creatives, the competition has been intense. With more profiles on the market than ever before, some positions have attracted 30 or more candidates. Even seasoned professionals have found themselves having to prove their value in new ways to stand out.
Why Is This Happening?
The challenges we’ve faced in 2024 didn’t arise from a single factor but rather a combination of global trends:
- Economic Slowdown: After initial signs of post-pandemic recovery, global economic growth has decelerated, leading to decreased consumer and corporate spending.
- Rising Costs: Many companies were hit hard by significant wage indexations and increased operating costs, forcing them to re-evaluate priorities.
- Cautious Investment: With uncertainty about future growth, organizations have been holding back on major projects and reducing risk.
How We’re Meeting the Moment
Tough times often require tough decisions, but they also bring opportunities for reinvention. Here’s how we’ve risen to the occasion in 2024:
- Smarter Processes: We’ve streamlined our workflows to maximize efficiency without sacrificing quality. Leaner teams and automation tools have allowed us to do more with less, ensuring we stay competitive.
- Client-Centric Approach: Collaboration has been at the heart of everything we do. By working more closely with clients, we’ve been able to understand their evolving needs and offer tailored solutions that deliver measurable impact.
- Community Support: Perhaps most importantly, we’ve leaned into the strength of our creative community. The willingness to share resources, ideas, and encouragement has been a constant source of inspiration and resilience.
The Shift Toward T-Shaped Profiles
Another significant trend we’ve observed is the increasing demand for T-shaped profiles—designers who possess a broad skill set and can contribute across various aspects of a project while maintaining deep expertise in one area. Most companies are no longer looking for highly specialized UX or UI profiles. Instead, they seek UX/UI designers who can also conduct user research, and testing, and even facilitate workshops. This shift reflects a need for versatile, adaptive talent that can respond to diverse challenges.
To meet this demand, we’ve focused on broadening our team’s skill sets using a well-defined competence matrix and a dedicated training plan. These tools allow us to identify areas for growth, design tailored learning pathways, and ensure our profiles are well-rounded. We’re also emphasizing the development of excellent soft skills, like communication, collaboration, and problem-solving, which are essential in building effective T-shaped profiles. By investing in this approach, we’re equipping our team with the tools to thrive in an ever-evolving market.
Lessons from 2024
One of the biggest takeaways from this year has been the importance of adaptability. The world around us is changing fast, and as creatives, we need to embrace flexibility and curiosity to stay ahead. Whether it’s learning new tools, exploring emerging markets, or rethinking how we deliver value, the key is to keep moving forward.
Another lesson? The power of connection. Whether with clients, colleagues, or peers, meaningful collaboration can make all the difference. Creativity doesn’t thrive in isolation—it flourishes when we come together to solve problems and push boundaries.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As challenging as this year has been, there’s every reason to look to 2025 with optimism. The creative industry has always been defined by its ability to adapt and innovate, and we’ve seen plenty of that in 2024.
The slowing economy won’t last forever, and when things turn around, those who have invested in resilience and reinvention will be ready to seize new opportunities. Whether it’s the rise of new technologies, shifts in consumer behavior, or the demand for more authentic, meaningful design, 2025 is set to open exciting doors.
So as we bid farewell to 2024, let’s celebrate the wins, acknowledge the struggles, and carry the lessons forward. The road ahead won’t be without its bumps, but with creativity and determination, there’s no limit to what we can achieve.
Here’s to a brighter, bolder, and more creative year ahead!
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