​The design industry is changing fast. It’s no longer just about delivering polished screens — it’s about driving impact. Entry-level roles are shrinking (we all know the reason), expectations are rising, and “just being good at execution” isn’t enough anymore.

​So the real question becomes:

​If execution is getting automated… what actually makes a designer valuable early in their career? We are challenging a common assumption — that you need a senior title before you can think like a senior designer. Instead, you start becoming senior through how you think, not what your title says.

​Through concrete examples, real scenarios, and practical language upgrades you can use immediately, we break down what actually makes you feel senior—and how to start applying those mentality right away. No fluff, no “just be confident” advice. Because in a world where AI can ship screens, your edge isn’t what you make — it’s how you think, decide, and influence what gets made.

​About Haopeng Liu

​Haopeng Liu is an award-winning UX designer and researcher currently at Microsoft, with previous experience at Expedia and AWS. She specializes in designing scalable, data-driven solutions for complex products, with a focus on AI-integrated experiences and enterprise SaaS. A graduate of the University of Washington’s MCDM program, Haopeng brings expertise in 0→1 product design, design systems, and cross-functional collaboration, helping teams turn ambiguity into impactful, user-centered solutions.

​Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haopeng-liu