Recently, we surveyed our members and the CX community to understand the challenges they’re facing in their careers and how the CX Collective can better meet these needs.
Thanks to everyone who completed the survey. Your insights and feedback inform the events and experiences we are curating for you. Read on to learn more about what your peers shared with us.
Career Growth
We asked survey respondents about their current feelings about career growth. Both members and community respondents had mixed responses. Members indicated a more neutral feeling towards career growth, and community respondents indicated a more positive outlook.
This disparity suggests that while our community may feel more optimistic about career progression, our members might be experiencing challenges or uncertainties that are impacting their careers. This highlights why being part of a membership organisation that offers training and support, such as the CX Collective, is incredibly valuable.
Current Challenges
One of the most revealing questions from our survey was: What are the challenges you are facing as a CX Designer today?
Earlier this month, we surveyed LinkedIn users on this same topic with seventy-three per cent indicating that budget cuts and resource limitations were a significant issue. This was also an important topic of discussion in our recent Career Club. Attendees stated that in the current economic climate, a major concern was the impact on design jobs, reduced budgets, and the human cost when projects are put on hold.
Here are some of the most frequently mentioned challenges in our survey:
Taking the next step in my career
Understanding AI and technology in a CX context
Communicating the value of CX
Getting CX work properly resourced
Getting executive attention for this work
Building my CX toolkit
Finding my tribe
However, we also inquired about how they were tackling these challenges. Many respondents mentioned they stay ahead by focusing on professional development, networking, learning from peers, and integrating AI tools into their research & design workflow.
The Future of CX
We asked how they foresee the role of CX Designers evolving in the next 2-3 years. Respondents anticipate the continued increase in the visibility of CX design in all facets of the workforce. They noted the online creator economy and the importance of a brand voice will likely create a significant need for CX Designers but predicted current economic factors would delay company investment. Some suggested that job roles will become more fluid, with greater importance placed on CX Design as businesses increasingly focus on customer solutions and journeys. Furthermore, they predicted that personalisation and automation will drive the need for CX designers, with CX becoming a growing industry, particularly in New Zealand.
Professional Development
To further understand the needs of CX designers, we asked: What types of professional development or training are you currently seeking? The answers highlighted a diverse range of interests and areas for growth including Indigenous design, AI, journey mapping, and transferrable skills (such as product management, UX, and graphic design).
Many respondents indicated that they stay up to date with the latest trends by leveraging a mix of networking, online resources (LinkedIn, newsletters, podcasts, vlogs, and blogs), and peer learning, underscoring the importance of community and continuous education in the CX design field.
The Future of the CX Collective
Respondents expressed a desire for the CX Collective to offer more practical demonstrations of research and design methods, as well as realistic discussions on AI and its human-centred and sustainability impacts. They also requested an extension or second stage of the Navigating Human Centred Change course and similar upskilling opportunities related to the integration of CX and data, events linked to PESTEL topics, and discussions tailored for younger CX designers as well as leaders and the development of a CX practice. We’ve made note of this feedback and hope to incorporate more of these suggestions in the future.
Finally, we’d like to thank those who took the time to share the positive impact that the CX Collective has had on the experience design community. Several respondents said:
“Thanks for facilitating such a wide range of individuals to share knowledge and create a sense of community. It’s exactly what is needed and so needed.”
“Thanks for being there.”
“I really feel at home with this group and your leadership, Sarah.”
“Love your work Sarah, keep the events coming. I’m grateful this community exists, and I can be part of it.”
“Loving everything so far.”
Our survey has provided valuable insights into the current state of CX design and the challenges faced by professionals in this field. We look forward to continuing the conversation and supporting our community with relevant resources and opportunities.
Stay tuned for more events, updates, and insights from the CX Collective!
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