Design Leaders are optimistic about 2011
AIGA's quarterly measure of confidence in the design industry
shows marked improvement
NEW YORK—February 14, 2011. AIGA's Design Leaders Confidence Index
reached its highest level since April 2005—when AIGA premiered its
quarterly survey—jumping 6 points in the last quarter of 2010, from
98.99 to 105.09. That increase is consistent with other measures of
anticipated economic activity, most notably the Conference Board
report that CEO confidence increased 12 points in the last quarter
of 2010. This also parallels recent increased optimism in other
indices, including the rise of the Leading Economic Index, consumer
confidence, the Employment Trends Index and help-wanted ads
online.
The most recent AIGA survey of more than 400 design leaders
reflected that the majority were confident the state of the economy
as a whole—and of the design economy in particular—would be
moderately better in the next six months. Roughly three out of five
leaders concurred with that assessment, although few thought
conditions would improve more than moderately. Overall, there were
substantially more optimists than pessimists.
Fewer than 7 percent of the respondents felt that the design
economy was worse today than six months ago, and only 5.4 percent
felt that conditions would be worse six months down the road.
In terms of acting on their optimism, 47.9 percent felt the
chances of hiring staff were about the same as in October, and 38.9
percent thought the chances were better. Only 11.2 percent thought
the chances were worse, and just 9.5 percent said they were more
likely to defer hardware and software purchases than in
October.
Because corporate CEOs' perceptions could drive demand for
design, it is worth noting that The Conference Board Measure of CEO
ConfidenceTM bounced back in the final quarter of 2010,
also reflecting more positive than negative impressions. Currently,
56 percent of business leaders anticipate an improvement in
economic conditions over the next six months, up from 22 percent in
the previous quarter. Much of the pessimism felt earlier in 2010
seems to have given way to optimism.
About AIGA
AIGA, the professional association for design, stimulates
thinking about design, demonstrates the value of design and
empowers the success of designers at each stage of their careers.
AIGA's mission is to advance designing as a professional craft,
strategic tool and vital cultural force. Founded in 1914, AIGA
remains the oldest and largest professional membership organization
for design, and is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) educational institution.
Today AIGA serves more than 20,000 members across 65 chapters and
200 student groups.
For further information, please contact: Jennifer
Bender
AIGA | the professional association for design
Tel 212 710 3136 Fax 212 807 1799