Let’s face it: every year, industry analysts declare a practice “dead.” But in 2025, we’re not looking at the grim reaper—instead, Product and UX roles resemble Frankenstein’s monster. Pieces of so-called “dead” roles are being stitched together, reanimated, and improved, as the industry doubles down on what worked and discards what didn’t. Drawing on shifting trends from 2024 and my own key predictions, here’s a glimpse into what I see shaping Product and UX in 2025.
The demand for professionals who can bridge strategy, execution, and design will reach new heights. Generalists who can adapt to varying contexts, manage competing priorities, and deliver results across multiple domains will become the cornerstone of successful teams. Organizations will prioritize hiring talent that not only understands the technical and creative aspects of projects but can also connect these efforts to broader business objectives.
Team members who understand how the sausage is made when it comes to building software will be the most successful in 2025. You don’t have to code, but knowing enough to avoid over-promising, size requirements realistically, and collaborate effectively with developers will make you invaluable.
2025 is bringing back creativity in a big way. AI isn’t here to take your job - it’s here to take the tedious stuff off your plate. Automation will help with research, documentation, and design processes, but human insight is still the secret sauce.
This year, accessibility (a11y) will finally be taken seriously. Why? AI tools can already suggest how to make front-end code accessible, and the expectation is that every project will come with inclusion baked in. This year, AI will continue to lower the cost of embracing accessibility. Businesses are waking up to the fact that inclusive products aren’t just morally right - they bring more users and more revenue.
Product leadership in 2025 will feel a bit like a Swiss Army knife. Leaders will need to do a bit of everything while helping their teams thrive. The role of teacher/trainer will be critical, as teams need to pivot from hyper-specialization to adaptability. Bootcamps will feel the heat here, needing to shift focus from specific tools (cough, cough, Figma) to creating versatile problem solvers.
In 2025, the role of Manager in the tech industry will face increasing pressure. As companies make further cuts, managers who aren't multi-faceted or willing to roll up their sleeves and contribute directly may find their positions at risk. The emphasis will shift toward leaders who can adapt, contribute hands-on, and navigate the complexities of leaner teams.
2025 is shaping up to be a transformative year for custom software solutions. Strategic generalists will continue to shine, seamlessly connecting strategy, execution, and design to drive success. Teams will blend human creativity with AI tools, emphasizing innovation, accessibility, and inclusion as core standards. Product leadership will focus on cultivating adaptable, collaborative teams that balance immediate priorities with long-term goals, paving the way for meaningful growth and impactful results.
At Callibrity, we specialize in bringing the right balance of strategy, execution, and design to your teams. Our Product Consultants are the strategic generalists you need with deep expertise across disciplines - ready to navigate the complexities of modern product development. Whether it’s problem-solving, product improvement, championing accessibility and inclusivity, or fostering cross-functional collaboration, we’re here to help you tackle your challenges in 2025. Together, we can create meaningful growth and impactful solutions for your organization.