Commercial and Industrial Designers

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 0 (0%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 16 (94%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 1 (6%)

• Prepare sketches of ideas, detailed drawings, illustrations, artwork, or blueprints, using drafting instruments, paints and brushes, or computer-aided design equipment.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Modify and refine designs, using working models, to conform with customer specifications, production limitations, or changes in design trends.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Evaluate feasibility of design ideas, based on factors such as appearance, safety, function, serviceability, budget, production costs/methods, and market characteristics.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Confer with engineering, marketing, production, or sales departments, or with customers, to establish and evaluate design concepts for manufactured products.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Present designs and reports to customers or design committees for approval and discuss need for modification.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Research production specifications, costs, production materials, and manufacturing methods and provide cost estimates and itemized production requirements.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Direct and coordinate the fabrication of models or samples and the drafting of working drawings and specification sheets from sketches.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Investigate product characteristics such as the product's safety and handling qualities, its market appeal, how efficiently it can be produced, and ways of distributing, using, and maintaining it.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Develop manufacturing procedures and monitor the manufacture of their designs in a factory to improve operations and product quality.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Participate in new product planning or market research, including studying the potential need for new products.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Read publications, attend showings, and study competing products and design styles and motifs to obtain perspective and generate design concepts.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Develop industrial standards and regulatory guidelines.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Coordinate the look and function of product lines.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task · Seen in real AI use
• Supervise assistants' work throughout the design process.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Design graphic material for use as ornamentation, illustration, or advertising on manufactured materials and packaging or containers.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Advise corporations on issues involving corporate image projects or problems.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task · Seen in real AI use
• Fabricate models or samples in paper, wood, glass, fabric, plastic, metal, or other materials, using hand or power tools.Little or no AI speed-up · core task

Questions about commercial and industrial designers and AI