In the rapidly evolving world of technology and design, artificial intelligence is reshaping traditional job roles, pushing professionals toward more versatile skill sets. Figma’s chief executive, Dylan Field, recently highlighted this shift, noting that AI is encouraging workers to adopt a generalist mindset. This transformation is not just about efficiency; it’s fundamentally altering how teams collaborate and innovate in product development.

Field’s observations come at a time when companies like Figma are integrating AI deeply into their tools, blurring the lines between specialized functions. He argues that as AI automates routine tasks, employees across disciplines are stepping into roles that involve building and iterating on products directly.

The Rise of the Generalist

This merging of job titles reflects a broader trend in the tech industry, where the boundaries between designers, developers, and product managers are becoming increasingly porous. According to a report in Business Insider, Field emphasized that “everyone is a product builder” in this new era, driven by AI’s ability to democratize complex processes.

Such changes are evident in Figma’s own ecosystem, where tools like Figma Make and Figma Draw, introduced at the Config 2025 conference, empower users to generate prototypes and illustrations with minimal expertise. This accessibility is fostering a culture where non-designers can contribute meaningfully to creative workflows.

AI’s Impact on Collaboration

Industry insiders point out that this generalist approach could lead to more agile teams, but it also raises questions about specialization’s value. Field, in discussions reported by Yahoo Finance, described how AI is causing a “shifting and merging of roles,” making it essential for professionals to broaden their capabilities.

For instance, a marketer might now use AI-enhanced tools to prototype user interfaces, traditionally the domain of dedicated designers. This convergence is echoed in Figma’s recent product launches, which aim to “raise the ceiling” for what individuals can achieve, as Field told Business Insider in a separate interview.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

However, this evolution isn’t without challenges. Critics worry that over-reliance on AI could dilute expertise, potentially leading to homogenized outputs. Field counters this by asserting that AI removes “drudgery” from design, allowing for more strategic focus, a point he made clear in conversations with Fast Company.

Looking forward, as Figma navigates its post-IPO phase—following a high-profile failed acquisition by Adobe—the company is positioning itself as a leader in this AI-driven shift. Field’s vision, detailed in his founder letter on the Figma Blog, underscores design’s growing importance in business strategy.

Implications for the Workforce

For industry professionals, adapting to this model means investing in continuous learning. Roles that once required years of niche training are now accessible via intuitive AI interfaces, potentially flattening hierarchies and accelerating innovation cycles.

Yet, as India Today reported, Field sees AI blurring lines across product, design, development, and research, empowering generalists to influence technology’s future more profoundly.

A New Era of Product Building

Ultimately, this trend toward everyone becoming a “product builder” could redefine career paths in tech. Companies must balance the benefits of versatility with the need to preserve deep expertise, ensuring that AI enhances rather than supplants human creativity.

Field’s insights, as captured in various outlets, signal a pivotal moment where technology not only streamlines work but reimagines the very nature of professional identity in the digital age.