Gokul Rajaram, a prominent angel investor and board member at Pinterest, has stirred controversy by suggesting that AI will lead to the elimination of standalone design jobs by 2026. In a post on social media platform X, he argued that startups are adopting leaner models where external consultants create design systems, allowing product managers and engineers to utilize AI tools for prototyping. Rajaram anticipates that larger firms might reduce their in-house design teams to 20% of their current size through attrition. However, his predictions have faced strong opposition from various industry figures, including CEOs and internet personalities. They argue that while some routine design tasks may be automated, the overall discipline of design is far from obsolete. Notably, Jordan Singer, CEO of AI startup Mainframe Computer, emphasized the importance of design skills in distinguishing quality work. Others, like Karri Saarinen, CEO of Linear, cautioned against completely outsourcing design functions, asserting that meaningful design should remain in-house. The debate highlights the evolving landscape of design roles amid advancements in AI technology.