In June 2025, Shopify, a leading global commerce company, made a significant shift in its approach to design roles within the organization. The company announced that it would no longer use the title ‘UX Designer’, opting instead for the more generalized term ‘Designer’. This decision has sparked a wide-ranging debate across the design community and among professionals about the implications of such a change on the field of user experience (UX) design.
The Rationale Behind Dropping ‘UX Designer’ Title
According to Shopify’s Chief Design Officer, Carl Rivera, the decision to remove the ‘UX’ prefix was aimed at simplifying job titles and reflecting a more holistic approach to product design. Rivera explained that the change was intended to emphasize the comprehensive skill set of their designers, which encompasses UX, user interface (UI), and other design disciplines.
This move aligns with a growing trend in the industry where companies are looking to break down silos between different design functions to foster a more integrated approach. The idea is that by removing specific designations like ‘UX’, team members can more freely contribute to all aspects of the design process, thereby enhancing collaboration and innovation.
Impact on UX Design Profession
While the intention behind Shopify’s title change might be to encourage a broader perspective among its design team, it raises concerns about the potential devaluation of specialized UX skills. UX design is a field rooted in deep understanding of user behaviors, needs, and challenges. It involves specific methodologies such as user research, usability testing, and interaction design, which are critical to creating user-centered products.
By generalizing the role to ‘Designer’, there is a risk that the unique value brought by UX professionals could be diluted. This could lead to a scenario where the importance of user-centered design principles becomes underemphasized in the product development process.
Community Response and Industry Implications
The reaction to Shopify’s decision has been mixed. Some industry leaders, like design influencer Andy Budd, have expressed concerns that this could signify a regression in the field’s recognition of specialized UX roles. On social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn, discussions have unfolded about whether this move is a simplification for clarity or a sidelining of a critical craft.
It’s important to consider the broader implications of such changes in job titles. For upcoming professionals in the design field, this could lead to confusion about the skills and competencies required to be successful. Additionally, for organizations, there might be challenges in hiring the right talent suited for specific needs if job titles become too generalized.
Shopify’s Broader Strategy and Industry Trends
Shopify’s decision does not exist in a vacuum. It reflects broader trends in the tech industry where companies are increasingly advocating for role versatility and cross-functional skill sets. This shift is partly driven by the rapid pace of technological change and the need for teams that can adapt quickly and work flexibly.
However, it’s crucial for companies to balance the push for versatility with the need for specialized skills that certain functions require. The ultimate goal should be to foster an environment where all skills are valued and where team members feel empowered to contribute their unique expertise.
Conclusion: Navigating the Future of Design Roles
As the industry continues to evolve, it will be essential for companies and professionals to engage in ongoing dialogue about the structure of design roles and the implications of these changes. For organizations like Shopify, monitoring the impact of such changes on product quality and user satisfaction will be critical. Additionally, maintaining a commitment to user-centered design principles should remain a priority, regardless of job titles.
For professionals in the field, staying adaptable and continuously updating their skills will be crucial as the lines between different design disciplines become increasingly blurred. Embracing a holistic view of design while advocating for the importance of specialized UX skills will be key to thriving in this changing landscape.
To explore more about the evolving landscape of product design and how companies are integrating UX principles across their operations, visit DesignFlow’s Product Design Category.
For further insights into how top companies are adapting their design practices in response to industry trends, consider reading this Smashing Magazine article on the role of UX design in technology companies today.
