What is a design job in 2026? Plus, Anthropic’s head of design gets an unexpected critique

We’re taking a trip to the Bay Area on this very special episode of By Design.  We’ll start off by discussing a very big question: What is a design job in 2026? The answer, in part, can be found in San Francisco and Silicon Valley, where Mark Wilson brings a dispatch from his latest reporting trip. (00:00:42) Plus, the latest design job numbers and what they mean.  Then, he and Liz Stinson interview one of the most powerful people in the world of AI design—Joel Lewenstein, Anthropic’s design chief. (00:13:50) Joel explains Claude’s personality quirks, why he’s doubling his design team, and more.  Finally, we close with a spring edition of Hot or Not. (01:00:30) Mentioned: Coleman’s Snap ‘N Go cooler, the 2028 Olympics branding, and a big Google Maps redesign.  Plus, two quick plugs for some great Fast Company stuff: First, check out our 2026 Most Innovative Companies in design. And if you haven’t, make sure to get in your applications for the 2026 Innovation By Design awards — submissions are due April 10.