Design leaders anticipate economic recovery
NEW YORK, February 10, 2010. The AIGA Design Leaders Confidence
Index for the fourth quarter of 2009 reflects strong confidence
in an economic recovery. The index held at 98, up from 51 in
October 2008 and consistent with designers' attitudes during the
period 2005-2007.
AIGA anticipates that the real measure of the state of the
design economy is likely to come in the first quarter of 2010, as
designers experience the effects of corporate budgets that were
determined during a weakened economy. However, only 6 percent of
the design leaders surveyed last month expected business over the
next six months to be worse than current business levels.
Nearly a third of respondents (29 percent) believe they will be
more likely to hire new designers in this quarter than last; only
18 percent felt they were less likely to hire new designers. And 44
percent felt their plans of purchasing new hardware and software
had increased compared with three months ago.
Comparison to corporate CEO confidence
Design leaders' confidence is consistent with the Conference
Board measure of corporate CEO confidence, which increased to 64 in
the fourth quarter of 2009—the fourth consecutive increase, and a
significant increase over 24 one year ago.
CEOs' assessment of current economic conditions was much more
optimistic, with 75 percent stating conditions had improved
compared to six months ago. The Conference Board's index of leading
economic indicators also showed modest, but consistent
improvement.
The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index® also continues
to improve. The Present Situation Index (confidence in current
conditions) increased to 25.0 from 20.2, and the Expectations Index
increased slightly to 76.5 (up from 75.9 last month).
The next Design Leaders Confidence Survey will be conducted in
mid-May 2010. For more information on the methodology of the
survey, visit www.aiga.org/confidence-index.
About AIGA
AIGA, the professional association for design, is the premier
place for design—to discover it, discuss it, understand it,
appreciate it, be inspired by it.
AIGA's mission is to advance designing as a professional craft,
strategic tool and vital cultural force. AIGA stimulates thinking
about design through journals, conferences, competitions and
exhibitions; demonstrates the value of design to business, the
public and government officials; and empowers the success of
designers at each stage of their careers by providing invaluable
educational and social resources.
Founded in 1914, AIGA remains the oldest and largest
professional membership organization for design. AIGA now
represents more than 20,000 design professionals, educators and
students through national activities and local programs developed
by 64 chapters and 200 student groups. AIGA is a nonprofit,
501(c)(3) educational institution.
For further information, please contact: Jennifer
Bender
Director of communications and marketing
AIGA | the professional association for design
Tel 212 710 3136 Fax 212 807 1799